The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Jesca Msambatavangu, the Member of Parliament for Iringa Town in Tanzania, has responded to a flood of messages from Kenyans after her comments regarding the arrest and deportation of two East African activists sparked online outrage.
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The backlash came in the wake of Tanzanian MPs defending President Samia Suluhu Hassan against growing criticism from Kenyans over how the activists were treated. In protest, many Kenyans took to X (formerly Twitter), sharing contact details of Tanzanian lawmakers and sending messages directly to express their discontent.
Msambatavangu took a conciliatory approach, saying she appreciated the engagement and had spent hours interacting with Kenyans.
“I appreciate our Kenyan brothers and sisters. We chatted until 3 a.m. before I had to pause for parliamentary duties,” she said. “Once I’m free, we’ll continue the conversation.”
She encouraged young Kenyans, particularly those from Gen Z, to form a WhatsApp group to facilitate better communication, and even offered to hold a live session on Saturday.
“To everyone, whether you’re supporting or criticising us, let’s respond to ideas with ideas,” she added. “Kenyans are our neighbours and brothers—we cannot ignore each other.”
Her comments follow a fiery session in Tanzania’s Parliament on Monday, during which Geita MP Joseph Musukuma accused Kenyans of meddling in Tanzanian affairs and disregarding the country’s sovereignty.
“We’re far ahead of them politically and intellectually. We lead in everything. Speaking English well isn’t our goal,” Musukuma said, dismissing Kenyan criticism as mere online noise.
The uproar began after the May 18 arrest and deportation of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire. The two were in Tanzania to monitor the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu when they were reportedly held incommunicado, mistreated, and expelled from the country—actions that have drawn widespread condemnation both regionally and internationally.
As tensions escalate, Msambatavangu’s call for open dialogue offers a more diplomatic contrast to the harder stance adopted by some of her fellow lawmakers.
