Access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has been significantly limited in Tanzania after hackers targeted several official accounts, including that of the police. On Tuesday, the Tanzanian police's verified X account was compromised, with hackers posting sexually explicit content and spreading false claims, including a fake announcement of the president's death.

The police quickly distanced themselves from the unauthorized posts and launched an investigation to trace those behind the cyberattack.

Shortly after the incident, internet monitoring group NetBlocks reported that X had become “unreachable on major internet providers” throughout Tanzania. By Wednesday, users in the commercial capital Dar es Salaam reported continued difficulties accessing the platform, unless they used virtual private networks (VPNs). However, VPN usage in Tanzania is illegal without a permit. Some users in other regions of the country said they were still able to access X without restriction.

Despite widespread connectivity issues, the Tanzanian government has not officially confirmed any move to block the platform. Nevertheless, Information Minister Jerry Silaa addressed the hacking incident in parliament, assuring lawmakers that all affected government accounts had been secured. Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa also issued a warning, vowing immediate action against those responsible.

This digital disruption comes against a backdrop of political tension following the deportation of several prominent Kenyan nationals. The deportees had reportedly traveled to Tanzania to attend a court hearing involving opposition leader Tundu Lissu, who is facing treason charges. President Samia Suluhu Hassan responded by warning activists from neighboring Kenya not to interfere in Tanzania’s internal matters, accusing them of attempting to cause "chaos."

Among the deported individuals was Kenya’s former Justice Minister Martha Karua. In a related development, Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan journalist Agather Atuhaire were reportedly arrested in Dar es Salaam on Monday by suspected military personnel. Their current whereabouts remain unknown.

Mwangi’s wife, Njeri Mwangi, told the BBC she last heard from her husband on Monday and has been unable to contact him since. “I’m actually concerned for his life,” she said. “He would have found a way to communicate. The silence is alarming.”

Boniface Mwabukusi, President of the Tanganyika Law Society, said on Wednesday that the two were believed to be in the custody of the immigration department, although earlier reports suggested they had already been deported. He added that legal teams were actively monitoring the situation and pursuing appropriate legal avenues to ensure a fair resolution.

The incident has raised concerns over freedom of expression, digital access, and the treatment of activists in Tanzania.