VIDEO: Uproar after Suluhu's 'piga mikwaju' comment during Ruto's State visit

Remarks by Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a joint appearance with President William Ruto have sparked heated online debate, with critics and supporters sharply split over her comments on youth activism and regional security.

Speaking on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at State House in Dar es Salaam during Ruto’s state visit, Suluhu called for closer cooperation between Tanzania and Kenya in addressing unrest involving young people. She said instability in one country inevitably spills over into its neighbours, urging coordinated action rather than opposing approaches.

“There is no need to disagree, fight or celebrate the wrongdoings happening in our region. When that happens in Kenya, it concerns Tanzania, and we must end it,” she said.

Her use of the phrase “piga mikwaju”, loosely translated as “discipline” or “whip”, triggered widespread backlash online.

"Tulikuwa tunaongea na Ruto jinsi ya kudeal hawa ma Gen Z watovu wa adabu, niwachape mikwaju wakija Tanzania na Ruto awachape mikwaju wakija Kenya ili wakae sawa!"~Suluhu says as President Ruto and his entourage in Tanzania clap pic.twitter.com/PBKAMtp4BS

— Ⓝⓖ'ⓞⓡⓞⓡⓘⓔⓣ??? (@baroswahjr) May 4, 2026

Suluhu suggested that both governments should take firm action against what she described as “undisciplined” and “notorious” Gen Z activists accused of fuelling cross-border unrest.

“Wale wanaofanya fujo na kusumbua serikali zao wachukuliwe hatua kali. Nimemwambia Rais William Ruto, tusimame imara kwa wale watovu wa nidhamu. Tusichague Watanzania au Wakenya; wakija kwangu nachapa mikwaju, wakija kwako unawachapa mikwaju, ili wakae sawa,” she said.

She further argued that democratic governance should not undermine cultural values or national stability, noting that different countries may adopt different governance approaches while prioritising peace. Her remarks appeared to reference growing youth-led activism across East Africa demanding accountability and reforms.

The comments drew swift criticism from sections of Kenya’s political leadership and civil society.

Former Chief Justice David Maraga described the remarks as “abhorrent”, warning they reflect a worrying direction for democratic governance in the region.

Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) senator Edwin Sifuna defended youth activism, saying democratic freedoms must be protected despite pressure from state authorities.

“Mama amesema tuchapwe mikwaju tutalinda demokeasia kama watoto watovu wa adabu,” he wrote.

On social media, reactions were sharply divided.

One user, Wills Evans Otieno, wrote: “Huo sio uongozi, hizi ni makelele ya dikteta aliyelemewa na hofu.”

Another account, Hakuna Matata, posted: “Kenyans are not Tanzanians. 2027 Gen Z will show their power once again.”

Supporters of Suluhu, however, said her remarks underscored the need for regional stability and coordinated responses to unrest that crosses borders.