Coaster Kibonde: From motorcycle taxi rider to 2025 presidential race

On August 25, 2024, the party’s National Congress, held at Nefaland Hotel in Manzese, Dar es Salaam, unanimously approved changing its name from the Democratic Makini Party to simply the Makini Party.

Ahead of the 2025 General Election scheduled for October 29, Makini has fielded candidates for the presidency, parliament, and councillorship.

Carrying the party’s presidential flag is Mr Coaster Jimmy Kibonde, who also serves as national chairman.

Mr Kibonde says he entered the race after reflecting on his capacity and purpose to serve Tanzanians.

He thanked his party for its confidence in him. “Personally, I believe politics is about economics. I joined the arena believing it is part of building livelihoods,” he said, adding.

“Through politics, one can earn an income and empower oneself economically, but above all, politicians are servants of the people. Those two motivations drove me into politics and now into the presidential race,” added Mr Kibonde.

Early political journey

Mr Kibonde began politics in 1995 at 17, inspired by the late Augustino Mrema, then Deputy Prime Minister.

When Mrema defected from the ruling CCM to join NCCR-Mageuzi ahead of the first multiparty election in 1995, Mr Kibonde quickly followed.

At the time, he lived in Mbalizi Village, Mbeya Rural District. Despite his youth, he registered as a member and became chairman of NCCR-Mageuzi’s Mapelele Branch in Mbalizi.

After moving to Dar es Salaam in 1997, Mr Kibonde remained loyal to the party without holding office.

In 1999, when a dispute erupted between Mrema (then chairman) and Secretary General Mabere Marando, Mrema joined the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP). Mr Kibonde followed him and was soon elected chairman of TLP’s Sinza Ward.

When he relocated from Sinza to Mabibo, he lost that position but was later elected to TLP’s Ubungo District Executive Council, serving from 2000 to 2003.

Mr Kibonde then became TLP’s Dar es Salaam regional security head (2003–2004), and later national head of security (2004–2006). During this period, he also served as Mrema’s personal bodyguard.

However, TLP’s disastrous showing in the 2005 General Election, where it won no parliamentary seats, forced the party to lay off staff due to lack of funds. Mr Kibonde was among those sidelined.

Return through Makini

In 2009, Mr Kibonde joined the Democratic Makini Party (now Makini) after encouragement from its leadership.

He was appointed Acting National Publicity Secretary and was later confirmed in 2010.

He held the role until 2015, when he was elected Deputy Secretary General for Mainland Tanzania, serving until 2020.

In the 2015 elections, Mr Kibonde contested the Ubungo parliamentary seat on Makini’s ticket.

By 2020, he aimed for the party’s chairmanship, clashing with the then chairman, Mr Mohammed Abdulla.

The fallout saw him expelled, but he successfully appealed to the Registrar of Political Parties and was reinstated.

On his return, he was appointed Acting Publicity Secretary and, on December 20, 2021, confirmed by the National Executive Council.

Internal tensions continued, and in March 2023, the party’s chairman was suspended for violating the party constitution.

When he failed to defend himself before the August 25, 2024, General Congress, members unanimously endorsed his removal.

Mr Kibonde emerged unopposed as party chairman, securing 100 percent of the 103 valid votes cast.

On May 17, 2025, during a General Congress at Mrina Hall in Manzese, the party nominated him as its presidential candidate for the Union.

Campaign priorities

Mr Kibonde says his presidency would focus on three key sectors: education, agriculture, and health.

Regarding education, he pledges free education for all students in government and public schools, from kindergarten to university.

The state, he says, would also sponsor Tanzanian students to study abroad in fields of national importance, provided they return to serve the country.

In the agricultural sector, Mr Kibonde promises five acres of land with title deeds to every Tanzanian youth aged 21–35.

He argues that secure land ownership would help young people access credit to build capital.

He also vows to establish factories producing agricultural inputs to ensure farmers have easy access to supplies.

“In the health sector, I pledge a hospital in every ward, each adequately equipped. Every citizen will receive a universal health insurance package named Makini Care,” he said.

“Pregnant women will be treated free from antenatal care through delivery. I also promise that no hospital will withhold bodies over unpaid bills,” added Mr Kibonde.

Family and background

Mr Kibonde was born on July 1, 1978, at Meta Hospital in Mbeya to Hilda Mwanyasi Mwakajumba and the late Jimmy Kibonde Mwakalobo.

He is the sixth of seven children on his mother’s side, and the 21st of 25 on his father’s side.

He began primary education in 1987 at Majengo Primary School, Mbeya, and later transferred to Mbalizi 2 Primary, completing Standard Seven in 1993.

He attended Mbalizi Secondary School (1994–1997) before training in motor mechanics at Rena Technical College, Mbeya.

In 1999, after moving to Dar es Salaam, he continued vocational training at VETA.

Alongside his political pursuits, Mr Kibonde has undertaken short professional courses, which he says have strengthened his leadership and confidence.

He is married to Zena Nassor Nzegula, and they have three children, Jane, Jimmy, and Hilda.

Outside politics, he runs a motorcycle spare parts shop and owns transport services including motorcycles (bodaboda) and auto rickshaws (bajaji).

He often rode his own bike to earn a living before rising to national politics.

Mr Kibonde urges Tanzanians to support his presidential bid, saying his priorities are best for the nation.

He also appeals for peace during campaigns, calling on politicians to promote unity and stability.