Tanzania is witnessing a rare public divide following the release of a hard-hitting CNN investigation by Kenyan journalist Larry Madowo, which detailed alleged police killings during the October 29 elections. While the government has criticised the report as unfair and damaging, ordinary Tanzanians have turned the spotlight onto Madowo with overwhelming praise, creating a wave of online solidarity that has spilled across social media platforms.
In the days since the exposé aired, thousands of Tanzanians have changed their social media profile pictures to Madowo’s image, hailing him as a courageous journalist who amplified stories they say would otherwise remain buried.
For many, the documentary validated their fears, frustrations and unanswered questions about what happened in the immediate aftermath of the vote. The symbolism of adopting his photo has become a quiet but potent act of defiance, reflecting a public yearning for accountability amid claims of heavy-handed state response.
Madowo himself acknowledged the outpouring of support, revealing that ordinary Tanzanians contributed footage, testimonies and evidence that informed the investigation. His message thanking citizens for their trust ignited an even bigger wave of solidarity, painting him not just as a reporter but as a vessel for voices many felt had been suppressed.
But as public praise for Madowo surges, the Tanzanian government has taken the opposite view. Officials have condemned the CNN piece as inaccurate and unjust, insisting that the state is still reviewing and verifying the contents of the documentary.
They argue that the exposé unfairly portrays the country as unstable and accuse the broadcaster of sensationalism. State agencies have issued warnings against sharing graphic images or videos linked to the election unrest, saying such content may cause public panic or “demean human life.”
Security forces have gone further, cautioning that some online behaviours — including posts perceived as incitement — could attract criminal liability. The government’s pushback has triggered concerns among rights groups, who view the warnings as an attempt to stifle digital dissent at a moment when citizens are rallying around a unifying symbol in Madowo.
The contrasting reactions underscore the deepening tension between state institutions and a digitally empowered population. While the government is working to control the narrative and minimise reputational damage, citizens are embracing social media as a space for visibility, validation and resistance.
The result is a country split between official condemnation and public admiration, united only by the shockwaves of a documentary that continues to reshape political conversations across the region.
