THROWBACK THURSDAY: ‘JIRANI YETU HANA UNGA, HANA STIMA, ANAONGEA TU KIINGEREZA KWA GIZA’ — SAMIA SULUHU’S REMARK THAT STIRRED DEBATE

On December 10, 2023, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu made remarks during a ministerial address that sparked widespread attention across East Africa. While discussing flood response efforts in Tanzania, a statement attributed to her circulated widely online, drawing reactions from both Tanzanian and Kenyan audiences.

The quote, “Jirani yetu hana unga, hana stima, anaongea tu Kiingereza kwa giza,” loosely translated as “Our neighbour has no flour, no electricity, only speaking English in the dark,” was interpreted by many as a reference to Kenya. The remark quickly went viral on social media, with users debating whether it was a criticism of Kenya’s economic situation or simply a general observation.

At the time, Kenya was experiencing nationwide power outages and high inflation, particularly affecting the cost of essential commodities such as maize flour. A blackout on December 10 had disrupted services across the country, including at major airports, prompting government officials to announce urgent infrastructure upgrades.

President William Ruto, who chaired a Cabinet meeting on December 13, 2023, acknowledged the impact of recurring blackouts and outlined plans to improve the electricity transmission system. Energy Cabinet Secretary Davis Chirchir noted that Kenya had not invested in new transmission lines for several years, contributing to network strain and power instability.

Although President Suluhu did not mention Kenya or President Ruto directly in her speech, the timing and content of the viral quote led many to link it to the Kenyan situation. Reactions among Kenyans were divided—some saw the statement as a reflection of economic realities, while others criticised it as diplomatically insensitive.

Later that week, Suluhu skipped Kenya’s 60th Jamhuri Day celebrations, citing the need to manage ongoing flood recovery efforts in northern Tanzania. Zanzibar’s President Hussein Mwinyi represented her at the event and delivered her official apology.

In July 2025, new developments have again tested Kenya–Tanzania relations. Tanzania’s government issued a directive barring non-citizens from operating 15 categories of small and medium-sized businesses, a move that could affect several Kenyan traders operating across the border.

While the context of Suluhu’s 2023 remarks remains debated, the regional dynamics between the two countries continue to evolve, influenced by economic decisions and national priorities.