Tanzanian singer and former media personality Vanessa Mdee has taken a bold swipe at President Samia Suluhu Hassan, accusing her of hypocrisy following the president’s recent inauguration.
In a strongly worded statement, Vanessa questioned the legitimacy of the swearing-in ceremony, saying:
“Unakula kiapo kwamba utatenda haki, unamtendea haki nani, wakati umeapishwa bila raia? Unafiki huo.”
(“You are taking an oath to uphold justice — but who are you serving justice to when you were sworn in without citizens present? Such hypocrisy.”)
Her remarks appear to criticize the government’s decision to conduct the ceremony under heavy security and limited public participation — a move that has drawn mixed reactions across the region.
Many Tanzanians online have echoed Vanessa’s concerns, accusing the government of restricting civic freedoms and transparency. However, Suluhu’s supporters argue that the ceremony followed all legal procedures and that security measures were necessary to maintain order.
Vanessa Mdee, known for her fearless expression and social activism, has in the past urged artists and public figures to use their platforms to speak truth to power.
The statement has since gone viral across social media platforms, sparking heated debate about freedom of expression and democracy in Tanzania.
