Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo has called on Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu to change her tactics following the detention of Kenyan lawyers who had travelled to attend the court proceedings of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
The MP, in a statement dated Monday, May 19, expressed that Suluhu was tainting her global image by blocking lawyers and activists from supporting Lissu.
She opined that Suluhu was using old tactics that are oppressive.
"It does not cost anything for people, especially human rights lawyers and activists, to stand with your opponent while he is undergoing trial," read the statement in part.
"However, it costs you a bad image when you pick the tried and tired masculine approach to leadership that is oppressive."
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Millie maintained that she still held the foreign President in high regard, given her accomplishments. However, the ODM MP noted that she had to change.
"Please make us proud. Do us proud. Do different. Be different. The nurturing and caring roles have been seen as a weakness, but are indeed strengths," she advised.
"Let Tundu Lisu get his supporters. You have your own. Use the natural, nurturing, and caring roles to hold one to account, but without bending rules."
Following the message, many Kenyans took to social media to express their opinion on the recent actions by Tanzanian authorities.
Some Kenyans online expressed support for Suluhu, adding that she only needs to practice democratic principles in running the country.
"Prudent advice to President Suluhu. There's something wrong with most of the African presidents. They fear the opposition. That seat belongs to the people; they've only been entrusted for a specific time. They must learn to level the ground and grant the opposition parties the opportunity to campaign." Fredrick Oyiro commented on Facebook.
On the other hand, some Kenyans called her out, noting that the actions against the Kenyan lawyers were dictatorial.
"Call a spade a spade. She has shown her true character, and that's the start of her downfall. Wake up, Madam Samia Suluhu Hassan, redeem yourself else History will judge you harshly," Jimmy Kereri commented.
Some of the Kenyans who were denied entry to Tanzania were Former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, Martha Karua, activists Hussein Khalid, and Hanifa Adan.
Here are more reactions from Kenyans on Millie's post;
