Kenyan comedian Eric Omondi has once again found himself at the center of online controversy — this time for taking a playful jab at Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan in a viral satirical skit that has sparked mixed reactions across East Africa.
The Skit That Sparked Debate
In the video shared on Omondi’s Instagram and TikTok, the comedian mimics President Suluhu’s famously calm and deliberate speaking style. Clad in a floral kitenge and headscarf, he impersonates her with drawn-out pauses, announcing mock national statements as a staged audience gradually loses interest — with some pretending to yawn or doze off mid-speech.
“Leo… nataka kusema… jambo moja tu… kuhusu… maendeleo ya nchi yetu,”
Omondi says, dragging each word for comic effect.
The post was captioned:
Did you read this?
“Aki Madaraka na Mic Can’t Mix! Lakini tunakupenda Mama Samia!”
Reactions Across the Region
The skit instantly went viral, drawing laughter from many, especially Kenyan fans familiar with Omondi’s brand of political satire. Some Tanzanian viewers also took it in stride, seeing it as light-hearted fun.
However, not everyone was amused. Critics from Tanzania accused Omondi of crossing the line, calling the skit “disrespectful” and suggesting it demeaned the stature of their head of state.
“This isn’t just comedy — it’s mockery of the presidency,” one user commented.
Meanwhile, Kenyan netizens rushed to defend the comedian’s freedom of expression.
“If he can roast Ruto, Raila, and Museveni, then Mama Samia isn’t off-limits either,” one user argued.
Another added, “It’s satire, not sabotage.”
As of Sunday, no official response had been issued by Tanzanian authorities or State House in Dodoma.
Satire or Shade?
Eric Omondi, once best known for slapstick and parody, has recently pivoted toward more politically charged content — often mixing humor with bold critiques. His transition has earned both applause and backlash, depending on which side of the satire people fall on.
Whether seen as sharp social commentary or inappropriate mimicry, one thing is undeniable:
Eric Omondi knows exactly how to keep the region talking.
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