A Tanzanian citizen has captured widespread attention online after openly praising a leading Kenyan media house for its courageous and unfiltered coverage of the ongoing political turmoil and violent crackdown in Tanzania.
The individual, identified as Sativa, took to social media to express deep gratitude toward the Kenyan press, commending its role in highlighting the truth about events that he claims his country’s own media has deliberately chosen to ignore.
In his post, Sativa specifically singled out Kenya’s “The Standard” newspaper, applauding its commitment to fearless journalism and objective reporting. He shared a striking image of the newspaper’s front page, which boldly featured the headline “A Bloody Crown” — accompanied by a photo of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, alongside smaller, haunting images from the violent post-election protests that have rocked the nation.
According to Sativa, The Standard has, for six consecutive days, consistently published stories exposing the depth of the crisis, giving the international community a clearer view of what he described as “killings and dictatorship in the darkness.”
He drew a sharp contrast between Kenya’s vibrant press and the situation back home, accusing Tanzanian media of failing to uphold journalistic integrity. In his words, local news outlets have become mere “vuvuzelas of Tanzania” — noisy but hollow instruments echoing government propaganda without substance or truth.
Sativa lamented that instead of investigating or questioning authority, Tanzanian journalists have resorted to simply reproducing official statements handed to them, publishing them “as they are” without independent analysis or creativity.
Despite his frustration, his message ended not in bitterness but in heartfelt appreciation. He thanked Kenyan journalists for their professionalism, bravery, and compassion in giving a voice to Tanzanians who feel silenced and forgotten.
“Thank you very much, Kenyan. You are very good neighbours,” he concluded — a statement that quickly went viral, resonating deeply with audiences across both Kenya and Tanzania.
Sativa’s post has since sparked widespread conversation about press freedom, regional solidarity, and the vital role of independent journalism in defending democracy and human rights across East Africa.
