Diamond Platnumz’s sister, Mwanahawa Abdul, popularly known as Queen Darleen, has sparked outrage online after mocking Tanzanians who took to the streets during the recent election protests.
In a video shared on her Instagram page, the Bongo singer made inflammatory remarks suggesting that if she were president, she would brutally punish anyone daring to demonstrate.
“Mungu angejaribu kunipa Uongozi, nyie mnaotaka kuandamana mngekoma, cha moto mngekiona, ningewavunjavunja miguu kwa sababu mmejitakia,” she said.
Her comments, seen by many as deeply insensitive, further escalated when she claimed that those who died during the protests “had it coming.”
Darleen went on to accuse the demonstrators of being looters and thieves, arguing that their intention was not justice, but looting and destruction.
“Kukufa kwako nikujitakia na sisi tunaombea mwisho mwema na nyinyi mwataka matatizo. Nyie wezi mnataka kuandamana, kuchukua vitu vya watu. Mwataka tuifanye Tanzania iwe vipi?” the Touch hitmaker added.
The 40-year-old singer went on to defend President Samia Suluhu Hassan, praising her leadership and development projects. She particularly cited the completion of a long-delayed water dam in Kigoma as an example of the president’s progress.
“Awamu zote zilizoanzwa, mabwawa ya maji hata kule Kigoma. Miaka hadi dhahari haikuwai kamilika. Lakini sasa imekamilika. Viwanda vimetengenezwa saa hii Tanzania, nyinyi mseme mwataka kuiba vitu vya watu mkiandamana,” she said.
Tanzania has been gripped by unrest since violent demonstrations erupted across major cities over what many have called a “sham election.” President Samia’s administration has been accused of barring opposition candidates, leading critics to describe the polls as a coronation rather than a democratic exercise. Reports have also emerged of mass arrests, abductions, and an internet blackout during the 2025 general election period.
Queen Darleen’s remarks have since triggered a fierce backlash online, with fans and citizens condemning her tone and lack of empathy.
Rose Chitala commented on Instagram, “Uchaguzi upi? Nyamaza tu wewe kakako angetekwa ndio ungeijua Amani.”
Another, Moreen Emmanuel, added, “Ungeendelea tu kukaa kimya ivo ivo.”
Many accused the singer of being disconnected from the reality on the ground, arguing that her comments insulted grieving families and undermined citizens’ constitutional right to protest.