From Niffer to Gathoni: Tanzanian influencer celebrates Kenyan support after legal ordeal

Tanzanian social media personality Jennifer Jovin, popularly known as Niffer / Screengrab

Tanzanian cosmetics entrepreneur and social media personality Jenifer “Niffer” Jovin has expressed gratitude and affection for her Kenyan supporters following her release from detention and the drop of serious charges in her home country.

In a heartfelt message posted online on TikTok, Niffer greeted her followers, blending English and Kiswahili as she conveyed her appreciation.

“Good morning Kenya. Juu nisiposema good morning nimebunt na hiyo inakaa aje (Because if I don’t say good morning I’ll have messed up),”she said humorously.

Niffer continued by revealing that she had adopted a Kenyan name, introducing herself, “Nimeamua kujipatia jina langu saii ni Niffer Gathoni Pathelo… You already know what’s happening here. I just love you deeply.”

She went on to share a message of thanks to Kenyans who supported her business and rallied behind her during her legal challenges.

“I want to be there for some people from Kenya because you people support me in my business so much each and every way and in the most beautiful way possible and what I can say is may God bless you and the Kenyan country,” she said.

 “Anyways people I just love you. Stay safe.”

Acknowledging the online beef between Tanzania and Kenya touching on their choice of formal language, she jokingly urged Kenyans to spare her in case they find errors in her grammar.

“In case you find any error in my English please spare me,” she said.

Niffer, 26, rose to prominence as a cosmetics entrepreneur and social media influencer, with a large following on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

Her arrest in October 27, 2025 by Tanzanian police came amid heightened tensions surrounding the country’s general election.

She was accused of inciting unrest and charged alongside others in connection with alleged protests and disturbances during the electoral period.

Her lawyer told the press, in videos seen by The Star, that Niffer was charged individually because she allegedly encouraged people to buy face masks to protect themselves from tear gas, an action the prosecution claims amounted to promoting resistance against state authorities.

While she was not accused of engaging in violence, authorities argued that her alleged actions contributed to mobilising resistance against security forces. These claims fall under the broad scope of Tanzanian treason law.

Critics of the charges argued that her online activity, including participation in a viral TikTok challenge, was being misconstrued as political agitation, sparking debate about freedom of expression and activism online.

On December 3, 2025, the Director of Public Prosecutions in Tanzania informed Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court that the State would not proceed with the case against Niffer and co-accused Mika Lucas Chavala.

Senior Resident Magistrate Aaron Lyamuya ordered their release after the prosecution withdrew intentions to pursue the matter further.

“The court agrees with the request from the prosecution as submitted; therefore, I hereby release the two accused persons,” Magistrate Lyamuya said.

Following her release, Niffer’s message to Kenyans reflects both her personal gratitude and the warm reception she received online during and after her legal ordeal.