Chadema claims to expel Mrema, but he denies ouster
What you need to know:
- Mr Mrema is alleged to have shown contempt for authority, breached party discipline, and contravened its principles and traditions.
Dar es Salaam. While Chadema’s Bonyokwa branch has announced the expulsion of former Director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs, John Mrema, over a series of allegations, including insubordination, Mrema has denied being stripped of his membership.
Among other accusations, Mr Mrema is alleged to have shown contempt for authority, breached party discipline, and contravened its principles and traditions.
Reports of Mrema’s expulsion emerged on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, via a letter signed by Solomini Kagaruki on behalf of the Bonyokwa branch secretary.
Mr Mrema stands accused of undermining the disciplinary authority by allegedly mocking and sharing the summons letter on social media, rather than appearing before the branch leadership to defend himself.
In the statement, Mr Kagaruki states that despite being summoned to respond to the allegations, Mr Mrema continued to act defiantly, including by publicly criticising the party and its programmes during a press conference held on 22 April 2025.
“You have persistently chosen to slander the party publicly, fully aware that such conduct contradicts Chadema’s principles and traditions. After thorough deliberation, the committee has concluded that you no longer qualify as a Chadema member,” says Mr Kagaruki.
“By Article 5.4.3 of Chadema’s 2006 Constitution (2019 Edition), your membership is hereby revoked at the Bonyokwa branch with immediate effect. However, you reserve the right to appeal to a higher authority if dissatisfied with this decision,” the statement copied the party’s Secretary-General says.
Following the release of the statement, Chadema’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Ms Brenda Rupia, posted on X (formerly Twitter) saying: “The Secretary-General’s Office has received a copy from its Bonyokwa branch leadership announcing the expulsion of John Mrema under Article 7.2.11. The letter has been acknowledged and filed.”
Contacted on Thursday, 1 May 2025, Ms Rupia confirmed that the office had received the letter concerning Mrema’s expulsion.
In response, Mr Mrema insisted he remains a valid Chadema member, citing his membership card number 0111 and referencing Regulations 5.1 and 5.2.
“The letter circulating doesn’t concern me, as it doesn’t mention my membership number. Perhaps it refers to someone with a similar name,” he said.
He further argued that Chadema operates digitally, and the letter fails to reference his officially registered card.
“Therefore, this letter may have nothing to do with me,” Mrema maintained.
He clarified that he is registered under the Makongo branch, not the Bonyokwa branch, with relevant records available in the party’s digital system.
He also referred to Rule 5.3 of party regulations, which outlines that members must formally notify the branch secretary when changing their area of residence.
“Living in a certain area does not automatically affiliate someone to that branch unless the proper procedures are followed. That’s why I have never attended any Bonyokwa branch meetings—because I’m not a member there,” he said.
“The Bonyokwa branch has no mandate to revoke my membership. I remain a legitimate Chadema member unless action is taken in line with the party’s Constitution and regulations,” Mrema asserted.
