Kenyans and Tanzanians have been at odds for the past couple of days over the detention of human rights defender Boniface Mwangi.

Mwangi accused Tanzanian authorities of torturing him after he went to support opposition politician Tundu Lissu.

The activist was transported by road out of Tanzania and later discovered in Ukunda, Kwale County, appearing frail and visibly weakened.

Kenyans on social media expressed their displeasure with the move and faced off against Tanzanians in an online war.

Kenyan Gen Zs, credited for the June 2024 anti-government protests, have sent a message to their Tanzanian peers.

A TikTok video showed the young people of Kenya.

"You guys are in a political crisis," an outspoken young man said, but another interjected and urged him to speak in Swahili.

He continued:

"Your job is to listen to Bongo music and other love songs."

A woman then stepped forward with unprintable words for Tanzania's Gen Zs.

"We have already packed because you have failed. We are coming to help you."

They then declared that Kenya is the capital of Africa.

"You guys saw what we did here,” he continued.

Another young woman interjected with a question:

“Is there a problem if we wake up and go to Parliament for breakfast?”

The video elicited polar opposite reactions from TikTok users in the region. Some hailed the Kenyan Gen Zs, while some Tanzanians took offence.

Here are some of the reactions:

_hyt.ina💖:

“Don’t make noise for us. In Tanzania, we are allergic to unnecessary battles.”

snowke53:

“I am from Burundi. How can I become a Kenyan?”

Martin Apolo:

“I am a Tanzanian Gen Z. How can I get registration to be a Kenyan Gen Z?”

🌸its_Vee🇰🇪🎀:

"I was there last year and did not see a single Gen Z."

Nï Fràñk:

“I am Tanzanian, and Kenyans should stop meddling in our issues.”

Adasa:

“To continue living in Kenya, press 1.”

Faith Mudashi:

“I want to be born again in Kenya instead of Tanzania.”

Ky.graphy:

“Kenya is not in Africa. Africa is in Kenya, and we have two game parks—Uganda and Tanzania.”

In other news, the United States ended its prolonged silence regarding the detention and reported torture of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agather Atuhaire in Tanzania.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 24, the US, through its Bureau of African Affairs, expressed serious concern about the mistreatment claims involving the two activists.

The bureau also called for a thorough investigation into the alleged human rights violations and urged regional governments to hold perpetrators accountable.

Source: TUKO.co.ke