A Tanzanian social media personality and self-proclaimed spiritual guru, Chief Godlove, has stirred controversy across East Africa after making derogatory remarks about Kenyan youth, branding them “lazy” and claiming he could “buy them like pets.” The comments, widely viewed as inflammatory, have reignited regional tensions online, but they also opened a deeper conversation about youth unemployment, digital influence, and respect among Africans.
Chief Godlove, born Godlov Mwakibete, is known for flaunting his extravagant lifestyle: luxury vehicles, pet mansions, and flashy jewelry. With over a million followers on Instagram, he has gained notoriety for controversial takes, often blending motivational talk with mockery.
In a recent viral clip, Godlove claimed Kenyan youth are “lazy,” “only good at chewing miraa,” and regularly “complaining about maize flour prices.” He added, “Let them come over here so we can help them. I will buy them so that they can come here and eat.”
His remarks were met with widespread outrage and mockery online not just from Kenyans, but also from Tanzanians, many of whom disassociated from his sentiments.
“He does not speak for Tanzania,” wrote one user from Arusha. “We believe in youth working together across borders.”
Others pointed out the irony of criticizing poverty while building luxury kennels for dogs in a region still grappling with hunger and inequality.
“This isn’t about Kenya vs. Tanzania. It’s about a man blinded by privilege, mocking a reality that millions of African youth face daily,” commented Nairobi-based sociologist Miriam Wanjiru.
More Than a Social Spat: The Pan-African Youth Struggle
Beneath the digital fireworks, the episode has prompted a reckoning about how African youth are portrayed, not only by outsiders but also by their own elites. Youth unemployment remains one of the most pressing issues across the continent.
In Kenya, over 2 million youth are jobless, while in Tanzania, the informal economy absorbs the bulk of young people entering the job market. Both countries face shared struggles: economic inequality, rising costs of living, underfunded education systems, and limited access to dignified work.
To frame an entire generation as “lazy” is not only misleading it’s dangerous, said Tanzanian economist Rehema Nyerere.
“This isn’t just reckless talk. It reflects a growing class divide between hyper-visible influencers and youth left behind by systemic failures. Instead of ridicule, what we need is policy, solidarity, and investment in the potential of African youth.”
Digital Clout and Pan-African Responsibility
While Godlove may be just one influencer seeking attention, the firestorm reveals how social media has become a battleground for narratives about African identity. With vast audiences and unchecked platforms, influencers wield more power than ever.
Kenyan artist 2mbili, who recently visited Godlove’s mansion, has remained silent on the controversy. Some critics say his silence gives tacit approval; others believe ignoring the provocateur denies him further oxygen.
But for many Kenyans, the final word came from everyday users who transformed Godlove’s ridicule into satire and defiance:
“You’re comparing your village to the capital,” one user quipped.
“Buy us with what, your monopoly money?” joked another.
And perhaps most telling: “He’s a non-factor. We’re too busy fixing the nation.”
This episode is not just another clickbait feud. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance between self-expression and self-respect, between celebrity clout and civic responsibility. In a continent where unity remains both an aspiration and a challenge, the words of one man should not divide millions, especially not the youth who bear the future on their shoulders.
