The city of Dar es Salaam has become the unlikely epicenter of a fierce debate over freedom of expression, digital activism, and the reach of Tanzania’s criminal justice system, as two high-profile legal cases involving prominent women influencers have unfolded in rapid succession. These cases—one involving the formal charging of US-based activist Mange Kimambi with economic sabotage and money laundering, and the other the abrupt withdrawal of treason charges against cosmetics entrepreneur Jenifer “Niffer” Jovin and her associate Mika Lucas Chavala—have thrown the country’s approach to digital dissent and political opposition into sharp relief.
On August 28, 2025, prosecutors in Tanzania filed charges against Mange Kimambi, a well-known social media influencer and vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu. The case, scheduled for mention on December 4 before Senior Resident Magistrate Hassan Makube at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, accuses Kimambi of acquiring Sh138.5 million between March 1 and March 31, 2022, in Dar es Salaam. Authorities allege that she obtained the money knowing it was the proceeds of crime, in violation of the Anti-Money Laundering Act and the Economic and Organised Crime Control Act.
According to The Citizen, prosecutors claim Kimambi posed as a journalist without proper accreditation and pressured individuals to pay her, further complicating the legal picture. The Tanzanian government, undeterred by Kimambi’s US residency, has announced plans to seek her extradition so she can face the charges in person. In a video posted on December 2, Kimambi acknowledged the charges and the looming threat of extradition, stating, “The US government will laugh at you like the fools that you are. What law have I broken for the US to hand me over to you? Exposing your corruption to Tanzanians? Organising peaceful protests against your rigged elections and stolen resources?”
Kimambi’s activism, especially her outspoken criticism of the government’s handling of the controversial October 29, 2025, elections, has made her a lightning rod for both support and official scrutiny. She has used her social media platforms to highlight alleged human rights abuses and state violence, drawing the ire of authorities and, in particular, Attorney General Hamza Said Johari. Johari, who was appointed in November 2025, publicly called for Kimambi’s arrest and extradition, a move that Kimambi met with open derision on her Instagram account: “Appointed Attorney General today, and the first thing is to extradite Mange Kimambi. You’ve killed thousands of Tanzanian youths, but you’re after Mange, not the killers or those who ordered the killings.”
The legal jeopardy facing Kimambi is grave. If convicted, she could face significant fines or a lengthy prison sentence. The government’s pursuit of her—especially across international borders—has fueled widespread speculation about whether the case is truly about financial crimes or, as her supporters allege, an effort to silence a prominent government critic.
Just as Kimambi’s case was coming to a head, another dramatic turn unfolded in the Tanzanian courts. On December 3, the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) withdrew a high-profile treason case against Jenifer “Niffer” Jovin and Mika Lucas Chavala, effectively ending months of legal uncertainty. State Attorney Titus Aron informed Senior Resident Magistrate Aaron Lyamuya at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court that the state would not pursue the charges, prompting the immediate release of Niffer and Chavala from custody.
Niffer, a cosmetics entrepreneur and popular online influencer, had been accused of encouraging youth to prepare for anti-government demonstrations through a viral TikTok dance video that sampled President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s voice. The video also promoted tear-gas protection masks sold at her store, which prosecutors argued amounted to aiding preparations for revolt. The charges were directly linked to the unrest that followed the disputed October 29 elections—a period marked by heightened security, numerous arrests, and widespread allegations of state overreach.
The treason charges against Niffer and Chavala drew sharp criticism from rights groups, who described the prosecution as excessive and politically motivated. Supporters argued that the case exemplified the government’s overzealous policing of online expression and youth culture, especially when digital content is intertwined with political dissent. As reported by Eastleigh Voice, legal analysts in Dar es Salaam say the withdrawal of the case reflects the state’s growing caution in pursuing politically sensitive offences amid increased public scrutiny.
Treason is among the most serious charges under Tanzanian law and is rarely invoked. Its use in a case involving social media content attracted international attention and highlighted the growing tension between national security laws and freedom of expression in the digital era. Human rights organizations have already called on Tanzanian authorities to review similar cases and to develop clearer prosecutorial guidelines, warning against what they term the “criminalisation of digital culture.”
The DPP’s constitutional authority to discontinue criminal proceedings at any stage before judgment is often exercised when evidence is insufficient or when continuation of a case is deemed against the public interest. In this instance, the move has been widely interpreted as a sign that the government is sensitive to both domestic and international criticism regarding its approach to online dissent and political opposition. With the case now closed, Niffer and Chavala are expected to resume their normal lives, though the episode is likely to remain a touchstone in debates over digital rights and the limits of state power.
These two cases—Kimambi’s ongoing legal battle and Niffer’s abrupt release—have shone a spotlight on the complex and often contradictory landscape of Tanzanian justice. While President Samia Suluhu has cultivated an image of relative openness compared to previous administrations, activists argue that prosecutions tied to online activity remain inconsistent and sometimes disproportionate. The government’s willingness to pursue charges with international implications, as in Kimambi’s case, stands in stark contrast to its sudden retreat in the Niffer matter.
Observers say these developments underscore the delicate balance that Tanzanian authorities must strike between maintaining public order and respecting the rights of citizens to express dissent, particularly in the digital sphere. The cases have also exposed the challenges of regulating online content in a society where social media is increasingly central to both political mobilisation and personal expression. As more Tanzanians turn to platforms like TikTok and Instagram to make their voices heard, the question of where to draw the line between legitimate criticism and criminal conduct will only grow more urgent.
For now, the fate of Mange Kimambi hangs in the balance, with extradition proceedings looming and a possible trial ahead. Meanwhile, the release of Niffer and Chavala offers a glimmer of hope to those who fear the criminalisation of digital activism. Yet, as the dust settles, it’s clear that the struggle over Tanzania’s digital future—and the rights of its most outspoken citizens—is far from over.