A diplomatic row is brewing between Kenya and Tanzania as tensions escalate following heated remarks in the Tanzanian Parliament targeting Kenyan youth. In response, Kenyan online users—often referred to as “keyboard warriors”—have launched a fierce digital retaliation.
On Tuesday, Tanzanian Members of Parliament (MPs) condemned the behaviour of Kenyan youth, describing them as “undisciplined, disrespectful, and toxic.” This criticism follows a wave of online backlash aimed at Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who came under fire after Kenyan politician Martha Karua was allegedly detained and deported from Tanzania while observing the treason trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
“Kenyan youth are ill-mannered and spend too much time online spreading insults,” one Tanzanian MP claimed during the heated parliamentary debate.
“They are chaotic and lack the discipline we see in Tanzanian youth. Tanzania has nothing to learn from such a nation,” another added.
The remarks sparked outrage on Kenyan social media, especially on X (formerly Twitter), where users quickly mounted what has been dubbed “Digital Greet Wars.” In an unprecedented move, Kenyan netizens leaked personal phone numbers belonging to several Tanzanian lawmakers and reportedly even a number allegedly belonging to President Samia Suluhu.
Among those targeted were:
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Jesca Msambatavangu (Iringa MP)
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Joseph Msukuma (Geita MP)
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Emmanuel Kingu (Singida MP)
The exposed numbers were soon bombarded with a flood of messages, memes, and sarcastic “greetings” from angry Kenyan users—part of a satirical form of online protest that has now gone viral.
Social Media Explodes
Kenyans flooded the internet with humour and national pride, while some urged caution over the diplomatic implications.
Some notable reactions from X include:
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@mr_money: “Hii beef is very entertaining 😂 tuko intercountries now.”
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@muthonikabuga: “After the Cold War, now Kenyans have invented Internet Wars – uweeeee!”
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@k.a.z.a.k.a: “Don’t joke with Kenyans.”
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@sylviannnnn_: “This war is between the people of Kenya and the President of Tanzania.”
However, others called for maturity and diplomacy, warning that the digital feud could strain bilateral relations between the two East African nations.
Background: Karua’s Deportation Sparks Outrage
The root of the tension lies in the deportation of Martha Karua, a prominent Kenyan politician and human rights advocate. Karua had travelled to Tanzania to attend and monitor the ongoing trial of opposition figure Tundu Lissu, only to be reportedly detained and sent back without explanation.
This act was widely condemned by Kenyan citizens, activists, and political figures, leading to the online backlash that Tanzanian MPs now condemn.
