KRG the Don backs Samia Suluhu’s claims on Kenyan activists
Kenyan dancehall artiste Kimani Karuga alias KRG the Don, has come out in strong support of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu as the standoff between Kenya and Tanzania escalates following the arrest and mistreatment of foreign activists in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking to YouTuber Trudy Kitui on Saturday, May 24, 2025, KRG questioned the integrity of some of the activists involved, claiming that they were not genuine human rights defenders but businesspeople being paid to push political agendas.
“Some activists are doing business; they are not defending people’s rights. You must look at who these activists are. They are businessmen who have been paid to push certain people’s agendas. They’re making a show just to get a little money,” he said.
He went on to praise Tanzanians for their hospitality and warm reception whenever he visits the country. He also revealed his intentions to invest in Tanzania and voiced his support for President Suluhu’s re-election.
“Me, as Bugaa, Tanzanians love me — they are my brothers and sisters, and they love me too. When I go there, they welcome me. I even want to do business there. I’ll be going there soon to support President Mama Samia Suluhu to serve another five years because she has led Tanzania well,” he noted.
On the question of whether President Suluhu should apologise for her comments and the crackdown on foreign activists, KRG stood by her, saying she was simply doing her job as head of state.
“She shouldn’t apologise. Why should she apologise? She is the president and is doing the job he was given. She must protect his country. Those people were there to destabilise Tanzania. They didn’t even do what they claimed they went there to do. If they say they were beaten, why didn’t they record themselves while being beaten, but only record when they were in the hotel room? Those are just shows,” he stated.
Kenya-Tanzania standoff
KRG’s remarks come in the wake of growing outrage after Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan lawyer Agather Atuhaire were arrested in Dar es Salaam on May 19, 2025, while attempting to attend the court proceedings of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
Lissu, a former presidential candidate and leader of the CHADEMA party, is facing charges of incitement and treason over his calls for electoral reforms ahead of Tanzania’s October 2025 general elections.
Initial reports claimed Mwangi and Atuhaire were deported immediately, but the Tanzania Law Society later confirmed they were being held by immigration authorities.
Mwangi was deported on May 22, 2025, and reunited with his wife in Ukunda, Kwale County. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights confirmed his return in a statement shared on X.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid accused Tanzanian authorities of torture, posting images online that showed Mwangi with visible bruises on his arms and legs.
“Boniface Mwangi was dumped at the Horohoro border post this morning by Tanzanian security agents. He has been severely tortured and can barely walk; his body is broken, but his spirit remains strong,” Khalid posted.
Atuhaire also spoke out about their ordeal in a statement issued on May 24, expressing gratitude for the support she received and shock that she and Mwangi made it out alive.
“Good people, I have no words to thank you for your support, concern, and love. I am not okay, but what a relief to be alive and back home! I still can’t believe Boniface Mwangi and I made it out alive,” she said.
The controversy started after other prominent leaders, including former Justice Ministers Martha Karua and Willy Mutunga, were blocked from entering Tanzania on May 18, 2025. Karua, who had travelled to represent Lissu in court, was arrested at Julius Nyerere International Airport and deported shortly after landing. She called the incident a violation of the Tanzanian constitution and international human rights norms.
Suluhu
President Suluhu has remained firm in the face of growing criticism. While unveiling Tanzania’s new foreign policy on May 19, 2025, she warned against foreign interference in the country’s internal affairs.
“We have started to observe a trend in which activists from within our region are attempting to intrude and interfere in our affairs,” she said.
Suluhu stressed that Tanzania would not allow outsiders to disturb the peace that the country has long enjoyed.
“If they have been controlled in their country, let them not come to disrupt us. Let us not give them the chance; they have already destabilised their countries, and the only remaining peaceful nation is Tanzania,” she added.
During a swearing-in ceremony on May 24, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Suluhu reiterated her stance, claiming the activists were attempting to infiltrate key government institutions and urging Tanzanians to remain vigilant.
“Now the work of protecting the nation is not mine alone, nor is it reserved only to our security organs; it is our collective responsibility because if we do not do that, they will infiltrate our ministries, our agencies, and they will want to come in and disrupt everything. Now, protect your country. This is the only resource left for us, so go and guard our nation,” she said.
