Wamuzi News Ke
In a dramatic twist at this year’s National Prayer Breakfast held at Safari Park Hotel, Nairobi, an unexpected scene of unity stole the spotlight — just days after a fiery diplomatic row erupted between Kenya and Tanzania.
Tanzanian lawmakers, fresh off a wave of backlash surrounding the controversial arrest and deportation of Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire, joined hands — and voices — with their Kenyan hosts in an emotional chorus of “Bwana ni Mchungaji Wangu” (The Lord is My Shepherd).
The symbolic gesture, which played out before a packed hall of lawmakers, religious leaders, and dignitaries, came amid intense public outrage in Kenya and sharp condemnation from global human rights groups over the activists’ alleged torture and forced deportation from Dar es Salaam.
Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro confirmed the Tanzanian delegation’s presence, emphasizing the need for regional unity: “We have our Ugandan delegation here, and we warmly welcome our Tanzanian counterparts to sing with us — even after all that has happened,” he said.
The harmony, however, masked a storm still brewing beneath the surface. Just days earlier, Tanzanian MPs had hurled provocative remarks in Parliament, defending President Samia Suluhu Hassan while fiercely attacking Kenyan citizens online.
Geita MP Joseph Musukuma sparked fury with his scathing comments during a heated budget debate, saying, “We are far ahead of them in intellect and politics. Speaking English isn’t our priority.” He accused Kenyan activists of meddling in Tanzanian affairs, claiming the country had every right to protect its sovereignty.
The activists had traveled to Tanzania to observe the trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu before being detained under mysterious circumstances. Their alleged mistreatment sent shockwaves across Kenya and caught the attention of the international community.
Felista Deogratius Njau, another Tanzanian legislator, condemned Kenyans for mocking President Samia using AI-generated content on social media. “This is harassment. Our president deserves dignity, not insults,” she declared.
Bunda MP Boniphace Mwita Getere doubled down on the defense of Samia’s government: “She is not just calm — she is Commander-in-Chief and will protect our nation from any threat,” he asserted.
As the gospel hymn echoed through the prayer hall, one couldn’t ignore the irony — a peaceful melody trying to calm a storm of nationalism, online hostility, and a growing diplomatic standoff that now has the world watching closely.
The United States Bureau of African Affairs has already weighed in, voicing “deep concern” over the activists’ ordeal — a sign that this regional fallout might soon become a global diplomatic headache.
