Wamuzi News Ke
In a stunning turn of events that has rocked Tanzania’s digital space, access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been abruptly cut off nationwide—again.
This comes just months after a similar blackout, sparking alarm and outrage across the region, including neighboring Kenya.
The sudden blackout follows a jaw-dropping cyberattack on the official account of the Tanzania Police Force, which was hijacked to spread shocking, false claims about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
The fake news instantly went viral, igniting confusion, fear, and a swift response from the country’s top leadership.Internet watchdog NetBlocks confirmed the dramatic shutdown, reporting that X is now completely inaccessible on all major networks within Tanzania.
The data, they say, paints a chilling picture: an entire country cut off from one of the world’s biggest digital public squares, all in the aftermath of a political firestorm.
The cyber-assault came less than 24 hours after President Samia issued a tough directive urging the police to clamp down on social media misuse.
Her warning now feels eerily prophetic.Authorities were quick to denounce the death rumor as “entirely fabricated.” But the damage was already done.
The nation has now plunged into its second X shutdown in under a year, fueling fresh concerns over press freedom and the tightening grip on digital speech.The Tanzania Police Force, still reeling from the breach, has launched a full-scale investigation.
In an official statement, they insisted the viral post was not authored or endorsed by any officer and issued a stern warning:> “The content shared is completely false. The Force has never, and will never, disseminate such material on any of its official platforms.”
Citizens are being urged to ignore the hoax and avoid forwarding the disinformation. Those caught spreading the fake news, authorities warn, could face serious legal consequences.This wasn’t an isolated incident.
The cyberattack also targeted high-profile X accounts, including football giant Simba SC, media personality Odemba, and even telecom powerhouse Airtel Tanzania.
All were used to echo the same fake death claims, sending shockwaves through their followers—until each issued frantic clarifications.
Digital rights defenders are ringing alarm bells, warning that this marks a disturbing new chapter in Tanzania’s ongoing crackdown on free expression online.
And as Kenya and the rest of East Africa watch closely, many are asking: Where does the truth end—and the censorship begin?
