During a visit to Tanzania on 4 May 2026 by Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan urged East African leaders not to fear or appease young people commonly referred to as Gen Z. Speaking about youth-led protests, she said leaders should respond firmly to maintain order and discipline in society. President Samia argued that some Gen Z activists were misusing democratic freedoms under the guise of demanding rights while inciting unrest and threatening peace in the region. She described some protesters as “undisciplined children” seeking to undermine government authority and expressed concern about the spread of Gen Z-led protests across East Africa. She stressed the need for stronger regional security cooperation to contain the situation.
Her remarks sparked widespread debate, with human rights advocates criticizing the statements as encouraging the suppression of youth rights and freedom of expression. President Samia made the remarks on 4 May 2026, during a meeting between Tanzanian and Kenyan business leaders in Dar es Salaam, following Gen Z protests in Kenya and Tanzania.
On 7 May 2026, Special Seats MP Zainab Abdallah called on the Ministry of Education to work with the Jeshi la Kujenga Taifa (JKT) to enroll Gen Z youth in programs focused on discipline, patriotism, and civic responsibility. She said the initiative would help build morally upright and patriotic citizens ready to serve the nation. Meanwhile, Tanzania’s Chief Justice George Masaju also criticized some Gen Z activists for allegedly insulting judges and magistrates. He made the remarks on 10 May 2026, during the launch of the book Sing Gratitude by lawyer Aisha Kingu in Dar es Salaam.