Samia Suluhu Government Hunting Radio 47 Journalists Over Remarks on Tanzania

A Collage of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu and Radio 47 Presenter Billy Miya

Tanzanian government is allegedly operating inside Kenya in what has been described as a surveillance operation targeting Radio 47 journalists Billy Miya and Mbaruk Mwalimu over their critical on-air commentary.

According to claims made by Billy Miya, the Tanzanian government is angered by their coverage on Maskani 47, a Radio 47 programme, and has allegedly escalated efforts to monitor their movements in Kenya.

“Serikali ya Tanzania inaniwinda mimi personally na mwenzangu Mbaruk Mwalimu… mnanake hawapendi tunavo fanya,” Billy said, alleging that they are being pursued because of their broadcasts.

He further claimed that efforts to track them involve intermediaries and individuals allegedly working to expose their locations.

“Tunasema ukweli… sisi kama maskani tukiangazia wanatuwinda, wametutumia watu lakini tumewaresist,” he added.

Billy also alleged that a Kenyan insider was allegedly paid to obtain sensitive details about their whereabouts, including vehicle number plates.

“So sasa hivi naskia wanatumia mfanyikazi… wamempea 150 million ili adisclose numberplate ya magari zetu mahali ambapo tunaishi,” he claimed.

He further stated that the alleged operation is aimed at silencing their journalism, insisting that they will not back down.

“A journalist is not a criminal… hatutanyamaza,” he said.

Billy also made broader political allegations against the Tanzanian government, describing it as an “imla” administration and raising claims about election conduct.

“Tunasema ya kwamba… serikali ile ni ya ki-imla… ilikua serikali ambayo imeiba kura na ikaua watu,” he alleged.

He further questioned electoral legitimacy in Tanzania, citing claims of irregularities during past elections.

“Kama umechaguliwa na asilimia tisini na saba kisha sherehe inakua held ndani ya kambi ya jeshi… hio ni ukweli ama umeiba kura,” he added.

Billy maintained that despite the alleged pressure, they will continue with their work, saying they remain unfazed by the situation.

“Let them come… we are not afraid,” he said.

The allegations come amid concerns raised by the journalists over their safety and press freedom, though no independent verification has been provided regarding the claims of a cross-border surveillance operation or involvement of state actors.

Kenyan authorities and security agencies have not publicly responded to the allegations.