Respect Kenyans, They’re Fighting for us More Than Fellow Tanzanians – TZ Activist

Tanzanian social media activist Mange Kimambi has issued a public appeal to her compatriots. She has called for an immediate stop to online arguments with citizens of Kenya.

The US-based blogger argued that Kenyans have shown more commitment to fighting for Tanzania's rights than some Tanzanians themselves.

Kenyans’ True Pain

Mange Kimambi, a prominent critic of the Tanzanian government, made the call amid a period of intense online debate. These debates followed reports of violence and irregularities during and after the 29 October General Elections.

The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) noted that the polls did not comply with international democratic standards.

In her message, Mange Kimambi asked Tanzanians to respect Kenyan names. She asserted that the suffering felt by Kenyans over the recent political events was genuine.

“Tanzanians, I ask that from now on we should not be arguing with Kenyans. If there is a nation that stood with Tanzanians during this period, it is the Kenyans.”

The blogger's call aims to reframe the often-contentious online relationship between the two East African nations.

Fighting for Tanzania Online

The activist specifically highlighted the support shown by Kenyans on various social media platforms.

She claimed that Kenyans were actively advocating for the democratic rights of Tanzanians. She stated that this support was more fervent than any internal effort.

ALSO READ: Babu Owino’s Chilling Letter to CS Mudavadi Over Kenyan Allegedly Killed in Tanzanian Protests

“On Twitter, Kenyans are fighting to the limit. These Kenyans are so bitter that our fellow citizens with the same blood as us, like artists and celebrities.”

This statement comes at a time when local journalists in Tanzania have reportedly faced significant restrictions.

An internet shutdown during the mid-stage of the elections also hindered citizens' access to information.

These restrictions limited the ability of many Tanzanians to report the truth. This forced activists like Madowo to appeal directly to the public for raw footage.

Background on the Activist

Mange Kimambi has been a vocal opponent of the Tanzanian government from her base in Los Angeles, USA, since around 2016.

She rose to fame for using her large social media following—which includes millions of followers—to critique political issues. She has consistently exposed what she views as corruption and political repression.

The Tanzanian Attorney General (AG) recently demanded her arrest and extradition. This demand came after Kimambi posted videos detailing alleged post-election abuses and fatalities.

Kimambi responded by challenging the feasibility of the AG's request. She pointed out that the US government would be unlikely to comply with an extradition for charges relating to exposing corruption or organising peaceful protests.

The activist's latest intervention seeks to harness the transnational solidarity shown by Kenyans. She wants to redirect the energy from online feuds toward a common goal of protecting democratic values in East Africa.