Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, following bilateral engagements with President Ruto, President Suluhu criticized a growing wave of youth-led activism across East Africa, accusing young protesters of causing unrest and disrespecting authority.
During the joint session, the Tanzanian leader described some Gen Z activists as “unruly children” and suggested that governments in the region should work together to discipline them.
“We were discussing how to deal with these unruly children. I don’t know what they call themselves. They claim to be East Africans and wherever they go, they fight for democracy, causing chaos, burning things, and disturbing their governments,” President Suluhu stated.
She further said that she and President Ruto agreed on the need to take a firm stance against what she described as indiscipline among young protesters.
“I told Ruto we must stand firm on this issue regarding these undisciplined youths. We should not discriminate between Tanzanians or Kenyans — if they come to my country, I will cane them; if they go to yours, cane them so they can behave,” she added.
The remarks immediately triggered strong reactions online, particularly among Kenyan social media users and youth groups, many of whom viewed the comments as dismissive of democratic freedoms and freedom of expression.
President Suluhu defended her position by arguing that African societies should preserve traditional values and respect for leadership while shaping their own democratic systems.
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“That way we will build a community that is respectful and upright. Democracy should not corrupt our traditions or customs; our democracy has no fixed formula. I am telling my colleague we must stand firm in protecting our traditions,” she said.
Her comments come amid heightened political sensitivity in the region following recent youth-led demonstrations in both Kenya and Tanzania.
In Kenya, large-scale Gen Z protests erupted in June 2024 over the controversial Finance Bill, with demonstrators opposing proposed tax increases and demanding accountability from the government. The protests attracted international attention and were marked by confrontations between protesters and security forces.
Meanwhile, Tanzania also experienced political protests linked to the October 2025 elections, after opposition groups and international observers raised concerns about transparency and the credibility of the electoral process.
International observers later questioned whether the Tanzanian election met accepted democratic standards, further fueling discussions around governance and political freedoms in the region.
President Suluhu’s latest remarks have intensified ongoing conversations about democracy, civil liberties, and youth participation in politics across East Africa.
In Kenya especially, the comments have generated backlash because the country is approaching another highly competitive general election in roughly 14 months.
Many young voters have already indicated plans to use their numbers and online influence to shape the outcome of the 2027 polls.
Political analysts say the growing political awareness and activism among Gen Z citizens is becoming an increasingly powerful force that leaders across the region can no longer ignore.
As reactions continue to pour in, the remarks have once again highlighted tensions between governments seeking stability and younger generations demanding greater political accountability, transparency, and democratic participation.
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