Kenyan entertainer Cassypool has defended Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu following a wave of online criticism from Kenyan youth, particularly Gen Z, over the arrest and deportation of activists in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to YouTuber Trudy Kitui on Monday, June 2, 2025, Cassypool did not hold back, accusing young Kenyans of disrespecting Suluhu and misrepresenting the situation in Tanzania. He claimed that the outrage was being driven by unruly, pampered children who were idle and clueless.
“Kenya, wale watoto wadogo wale Gen Z, busy body ambao hawajafundishwa adabu na wazazi wao wapumbavu ndo walienda kuattack Tanzania ambao hawana shughuli nao,” he said.
Loosely translated;
“Kenya, those little kids, the Gen Z busybodies who were not taught manners by their foolish parents, are the ones who went to attack Tanzania, who have nothing to do with them.”
Cassypool argued that Tanzanian youth were not bothered by the drama unfolding online and were instead focused on their lives and careers.
“Do you know in Tanzania hakuna mtu anajua kuna izo attacks, vijana wako busy wanapiga shughuli, wako studio wanatoa nyimbo, wako wanaparty kwa club na madem wao, wako busy,” he continued.
Loosely translated as;
“Do you know that in Tanzania, no one even knows about those attacks? The youth are busy hustling, they’re in the studio making music, they’re out partying in clubs with their girls, they’re just busy.”
He went further to blame poor parenting for the Gen Z backlash, suggesting that these youths were shielded from real-life struggles by parents who spoiled them.
“Watoto ambao wazazi wao pia wanacheka Suluhu akitusiwa, Tanzanian are busy ata hawasomi izo comments,” he added, claiming most Tanzanians were not even aware of the backlash online.
Loosely translated as;
“Children whose parents also laugh when Suluhu is being insulted — Tanzanians are busy, they don’t even read those comments.”
Cassypool’s comments came just days after Kenyan dancehall artiste KRG the Don also spoke out in defence of President Suluhu amid the escalating tension between the two countries. KRG questioned the motives behind the involvement of foreign activists in Tanzanian affairs.
Speaking to Trudy Kitui on Saturday, May 24, 2025, KRG dismissed the activists as business people, not genuine human rights defenders.
“Some activists are doing business; they are not defending people’s rights. You must look at who these activists are. They are businessmen who have been paid to push certain people’s agendas. They’re making a show just to get a little money,” he said.
KRG also praised Tanzanians for their hospitality, stating that he always receives a warm welcome when he visits. He revealed plans to invest in the country and expressed support for President Suluhu’s re-election.
“Me, as Bugaa, Tanzanians love me — they are my brothers and sisters, and they love me too. When I go there, they welcome me. I even want to do business there. I’ll be going there soon to support President Mama Samia Suluhu to serve another five years because she has led Tanzania well,” he said.
When asked whether Suluhu should apologise for the crackdown on foreign activists, KRG stood his ground and said she was simply fulfilling her duties as a leader.
“She shouldn’t apologise. Why should she apologise? She is the president and is doing the job she was given. She must protect her country. Those people were there to destabilise Tanzania. They didn’t even do what they claimed they went there to do. If they say they were beaten, why didn’t they record themselves while being beaten, but only record when they were in the hotel room? Those are just shows,” he said.
Tanzania-Kenya tension
The tension started after the arrest of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan Agather Atuhaire in Dar es Salaam on May 19, 2025. The two were in Tanzania to attend a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing charges of incitement and treason.
Mwangi was deported on May 22, 2025, and reunited with his wife in Ukunda, Kwale County. Human rights activist Hussein Khalid accused Tanzanian authorities of torture, sharing images showing Mwangi with visible bruises.
“Boniface Mwangi was dumped at the Horohoro border post this morning by Tanzanian security agents. He has been severely tortured and can barely walk; his body is broken, but his spirit remains strong,” Khalid wrote on social media.
Atuhaire also released a statement on May 24, expressing shock that they made it out alive.
“Good people, I have no words to thank you for your support, concern, and love. I am not okay, but what a relief to be alive and back home! I still can’t believe Boniface Mwangi and I made it out alive,” she said.
The diplomatic standoff began when former Kenyan Justice Minister Martha Karua and ex-Chief Justice Willy Mutunga were barred from entering Tanzania on May 18. Karua, who had travelled to represent Lissu in court, was deported upon landing at Julius Nyerere International Airport.
President Suluhu has maintained a firm position throughout the crisis. While unveiling a new foreign policy on May 19, she warned against foreign interference.
“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said. “If they have been controlled in their country, let them not come to disrupt us.”
Days later, during a swearing-in ceremony in Dar es Salaam, Suluhu urged Tanzanians to remain alert and guard their country against infiltration.
“Now the work of protecting the nation is not mine alone… They will infiltrate our ministries, our agencies, and they will want to come in and disrupt everything. Now, protect your country. This is the only resource left for us, so go and guard our nation,” she stated.
Meanwhile, citizens from both Kenya and Tanzania took to social media to trade insults, further fueling the diplomatic fire.
Ruto’s apology
After several days of uproar and rising tensions, President William Ruto made a conciliatory move aimed at restoring diplomatic harmony with Tanzania and Uganda. In a gesture of goodwill, he reached out to both countries, acknowledging the possibility that Kenya’s actions or statements may have offended.
Addressing the situation, the President extended an apology and appealed for forgiveness, highlighting Kenya’s commitment to peaceful and respectful relations within the East African community.
“Our neighbours from Tanzania, if we have wronged you in any way, forgive us. Our friends from Uganda, if there is anything that Kenyans have done that is not right, we want to apologise,” he expressed.
