Tanzanian film star and former Miss Tanzania, Wema Sepetu, has publicly declared her firm support for President Samia Suluhu Hassan, issuing a strongly worded message on Instagram that has ignited intense debate across the country’s digital platforms.
The post, shared on Monday afternoon, comes at a time when political discussions in Tanzania have become increasingly heated, with social media users sharply divided in their assessment of President Samia’s leadership.
In her lengthy caption accompanying a photo of President Samia addressing, Wema urged Tanzanians to ease political tensions and avoid destabilising the country. She reminded her followers that no leader in history has ever enjoyed unanimous public approval.
“Hakuna Kiongozi aliwahi kuongoza akakaa kwenye kiti cha Urais akapendwa na kila mtu,” she wrote, adding that even past leaders who are highly regarded today were not universally loved during their time in office.
“Kila kiongozi ataongoza kwa muda wake na ataondoka… Kama hamumpendi Mama Samia, msimpende tu ila hakuna sababu ya kuvuruga nchi.”
Wema emphasised that President Samia, like all leaders, has a fixed tenure and will eventually leave office, making it unnecessary for citizens to engage in heated confrontations or political animosity online.
Her message appeared to target increasingly aggressive exchanges among Tanzanians on social platforms, many of which have centred on governance, economic pressures, and political competition ahead of the next electoral cycle.
The actress urged those who are dissatisfied with the president to express their disapproval peacefully without contributing to instability.
“Tuvumilieni… ndiyo namba moja wetu”
Wema called for patience, saying President Samia remains the country’s “number one” leader and therefore deserves the respect accorded to her office.
“Kwa sasa tuvumilie tu maana ndo namba moja wetu…Mungu akubariki na akutangulie kwenye uongozi wako mama yetu.”
She also expressed personal admiration and affection for the president, claiming that those who support her are more numerous than those who do not.
‘Sisi tunaokupenda tupo wengi kuliko wasio kupenda…amini kwamba…”
In a sign that she anticipated negative reactions, Wema concluded her post with a light but defiant message to her critics:
“Mnaweza kuendelea kupungua hapo kwenye followers….. sio shida yangu.”
This closing remark suggested that she is aware her political stance may cost her social-media followers but remains unapologetic about her position.
Within hours, the post had already attracted thousands of likes and comments, signalling the strong emotions surrounding national politics and the influence Wema continues to have in Tanzanian entertainment and public life.