19 years later, Bishop Kilaini clarifies a contentious remark he made about former president Kikwete 

Dar es Salaam. Nineteen years after Bishop Methodius Kilaini’s contentious statement that former President Jakaya Kikwete was a “Choice of God”, retired clergyman speaks of his friendship with the former president.

Bishop Kilaini, who has recently retired as Auxiliary Bishop of Bukoba Diocese in Kagera Region, issued that contentious remark after the 2005 General Election where Mr Kikwete emerged victorious by over 80 percent of cast votes.

His remark triggered debate among Tanzanians from different walks of life ranging from politicians, scholars, religious leaders and worshippers, as well as ordinary Tanzanians.

However, the former Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) secretary general clarified that he meant Mr Kikwete indeed enjoyed a massive electorate support.

During a recent exclusive interview by Mwananchi Communication Limited (MCL) reporters, Bishop Kilaini describes retired president Kikwete as a good person who enjoys assisting people and does not hold grudges.

“Such leaders are rarely found in African countries. Leaders who listen to the opinions of citizens, even those with differing personal positions,” he says.

During the interview, the clergyman revealed that he met Mr Kikwete in Zanzibar at a time when he was serving the Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Relations.

“On that day, I had nowhere to go so I remained at the hotel. Fortunately, Mr Kikwete met me where I sat and we engaged in a friendly discussion, even though this was the first time we met,” he says.

“Since then we have maintained our friendship. I would advise him from time to time, even on issues he was against. Contrary to other leaders, he would listen and make personal judgements which is different from other leaders who would turn enemies once you don’t side with them,” he adds.

He reveals that it was on that day Mr Kikwete informed him about his intention to stand for the United Republic of Tanzania’s presidency.

 “He was accompanied by his wife. I advised his wife to always support and stand by her husband,” he says.

“People were angry after my remark that Kikwete was a choice of God. But, I told them that they will remember him the day the country gets a leader who isn’t ready to listen to other people’s opinion and turns aggressive when advised,” he adds.

His spiritual journey

Bishop Kilaini says despite being raised in a non-Catholic family, with a grandfather married to four wives, he was baptised.

He says his grandmother was baptised and so frequently took him to church where he grew interested in what the missionaries did and wanted to be like them.

“I decided to choose a seminary for school, sat for Cambridge examinations before being taken to Rome for further studies. While in Rome, I made the decision to become a servant of God,” he says.

“Today, I don't regret my decision to serve the church for 23 years. I have never regretted this decision, despite my grandparents' ambition that I become an engineer or a medical practitioner and inherit their properties as a first born,” he says.

Cardinal Laurian Rugambwa's influence

According to Bishop Kilaini, the late Cardinal Laurian Rugambwa remains to be his mentor in his journey of serving the church.

He attributes him as the person behind his travel to Rome for studies, noting that since then, they became closer until his death.

“He was a man with a large heart. He was the first African to become the Catholic Church Cardinal and left a huge legacy,” he says.

Furthermore, he says the late President Benjamin Mkapa wrote of the late Cardinal, expressing his distinguished humbleness.

“After my retirement, I expect to write a book aimed at enabling people to better understand the cardinal and continue remembering him,” he says.

He shares that Cardinal Rugambwa peacefully died at his home on December 8, 1997, shortly after the Virgin Mary’s celebrations.

His retirement

Bishop Kilaini, who was transferred to Bukoba Diocese from the Dar es Salaam Diocese where he served as Auxiliary Bishop under retired Bishop Cardinal Polycarp Pengo; said his retirement was in line with the church procedures.

He said church procedures require bishops to retire after attaining the age of 75, regardless of their health.

His transfer to Bukoba Diocese

The clergyman says his relocation to Bukoba Diocese was a relief for him as he was struggling to recover from stroke, saying he wouldn’t be in a better position to cope with challenging demands from the Dar es Salaam Church.

“My stay in Bukoba has enabled me to get quick relief. During my stay, I commenced the construction project of a church with the support of the people of Dar es Salaam,” he says.

Achievements as TEC SG

Retired Bishop Kilaini says during his tenure as TEC secretary general, he managed to successfully improve church infrastructures, strengthened its departments, and engineered the construction of different buildings.

“In Dar es Salaam, I managed to strengthen church communities. My love for the youth forced me to start a beach mass for them. I’m also among the leaders who established Tumaini Media,” he says.

About his burial area

During the interview, retired Bishop Kilaini discloses that he should be buried in Bukoba after his death.

Bishop Kilaini says he planned to stay there after retirement, adding that: “I am glad to have this noble opportunity to disclose this important wish.”