Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan is facing sharp criticism across the East African community bloc for her plans to neutralise Gen Z activism.

Suluhu is also calling for joint action with Kenya to curb what she termed disruptive Gen Z activism.

She called for the joint efforts during President William Ruto visit in Tanzania.

The crackdown against the Gen Z’s has triggered a wide debate on the balance between security and civil liberties.

Political pundits are warning of a potential rollback of democratic gains in East Africa.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga noted, “I am therefore deeply disturbed by the remarks attributed to President Samia Suluhu… It is regrettable that the two presidents are reported to have discussed coordinating efforts to ‘chapa mikwajo’ the Gen Z across Kenya and Tanzania.”

He described the alleged remarks as “abhorrent,” linking them to unresolved accountability concerns following Tanzania’s 2025 general election.

“These remarks come barely a week after President Suluhu received the report of the commission of inquiry into killings during and after Tanzania’s October 29, 2025 general election, in which more than 518 people lost their lives, primarily from gunshot wounds. To date, not a single person has been held accountable,” he said.

Maraga also cited cases involving regional activists, including Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire, warning that impunity was eroding trust in state institutions.

“The axis of tyranny that Presidents Suluhu and Ruto are constructing threatens to return our region to autocracy,” he said, adding that East Africa cannot progress “while leaders suppress dissent and trample on the basic rights of our people.”