Tanzania government targets another top social media influencer with criminal charges — Here’s why

Kimambi, who lives in Los Angeles, is one of the country’s most influential online political commentators, with millions of followers on Instagram and X, The Citizen reports.

According to the charge sheet, prosecutors allege that Kimambi obtained the money in March 2022 in Dar es Salaam, knowing it was the proceeds of crime. They also claim she earned it by working as a journalist without accreditation and by “demanding money through intimidation.” The case is set for mention on December 4 at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court.

Kimambi confirmed in a video posted on December 2 that she had been notified of the charges, saying the government wants to force her return to Tanzania. The charges fall under the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act.

A former model, Kimambi became a prominent activist during the late President John Magufuli’s administration and later mobilised the recent 29 October anti-government protests from abroad. She has long pushed for electoral reforms, a new constitution and stronger safeguards for civil liberties. Although she once publicly supported President Samia Suluhu Hassan, she has since become one of the administration’s fiercest critics.

Her case comes in the midst of an apparent crackdown on high-profile activists. Earlier in November, Tanzanian influencer Jennifer “Niffer” Jovin was charged with treason, a capital offence, after participating in the viral “Nywinywi” dance challenge, which evolved into a digital protest movement during the general election.