Tanzanian content creator Clemence Mwandambo has condemned the spread of false information and propaganda on social media, particularly claims targeting senior government leaders and security institutions.
Speaking on Thursday, March 5, 2026, Mwandambo expressed concern over what he described as a worrying trend of unverified stories circulating online, including rumours about the death of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and allegations involving her family members.
“It is surprising how some individuals behave. At one point, rumours claimed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had died. Some even alleged they had confidential intelligence from the State House, convincing the public that the President was no longer alive,” Mwandambo said.
He added that when the President later appeared in public, those who had spread the false claims neither apologised nor retracted their statements.
“I am tired of this kind of propaganda. Why are we doing this as Tanzanians? What purpose does it serve to spread such rumours?” he questioned.
Mwandambo also addressed claims linking a vessel seized in El Salvador to Tanzania and to the President’s family.
The vessel, identified as the FMS Eagle, was reportedly intercepted while flying the Tanzanian flag and allegedly carrying narcotics.
Social media users had speculated on the involvement of the President’s son, a claim Mwandambo dismissed as baseless.
Minister of State in the Office of the Second Vice President of Zanzibar, Hamza Hassan Juma, confirmed to the BBC that Tanzania had no connection to the vessel.
“There were no Tanzanian nationals on the ship. It is not a Tanzanian ship, it is not owned by Tanzania, and Tanzania is not involved in drug trafficking,” he said.
Mwandambo urged Tanzanians to verify information before sharing it online, warning that misinformation can damage reputations and mislead the public.
He called on social media users to act responsibly and avoid spreading unverified claims that could cause unnecessary tension in the country.