Family calls on government to expedite investigations into Kibao’s murder

Dar es Salaam. The family of Chadema cadre Ali Kibao, has called on the government to expedite investigation into his death and to keep them informed about its progress.

Mr Kibao was abducted by armed men on September 6, 2024, at Kibo Complex, Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, when he was on a Tashriff bus heading to Tanga.

After being taken away handcuffed, his body was later found in Ununio, Dar es Salaam, with injuries and signs that acid had been poured on his face. Mr Kibao was buried on Monday, September 9, 2024, in Tarigube village. The funeral was attended by various mourners, including the minister of Internal Affairs, Mr Hamad Masauni.

On September 10, 2024, Mr Masauni visited the family to offer condolences on behalf of the government. He presented Sh5 million as a gesture of sympathy.

Ms Mariam, daughter of the slain politician, addressed the minister on behalf of the family, requesting a thorough investigation into her father’s death and regular updates on the investigation's progress.

She emphasised that the family should receive official information directly rather than through the media.

“We have been informed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has instructed investigative bodies to look into our father's death. How will we, as a family, be informed about the investigation? We understand it might be challenging to reach top government officials, especially in such a serious case. What we need is your cooperation, as we still do not know who was responsible for the abduction and killing of our father. We urge for a swift investigation to uncover the truth and ensure justice,” she said.

Mr Masauni conveyed President Samia’s condolences and urged the family to remain calm during their period of mourning.

 He asked them to be patient as relevant agencies continue their investigation into the incident.

“The President is deeply saddened, and the entire government shares this sorrow. This is a situation that should not have occurred, especially in a country known for its peace.

The President’s directives are being implemented to uncover the cause of this incident. “The government stands with you, and this country operates under the rule of law.

Everyone has the right to live peacefully. I urge you to remain patient and pray for our deceased, and may God grant him eternal peace,” he said.

Meanwhile, the European Union Heads of Mission, along with the British High Commission, the Canadian High Commission, and the embassies of Norway and Switzerland, have issued a joint statement condemning the abduction and killing of Mr Kibao.

“The Delegation of the European Union, in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission in Tanzania, the High Commission of Canada, the Embassy of Norway, the Embassy of Switzerland, and the British High Commission, is deeply concerned about the recent reports of violence, disappearances, and deaths of political and human rights activists….We call for a thorough investigation into these events and extend our condolences to the families of the victims,” the statement reads in part.

It urged the Tanzanian government to uphold the promises made by President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s '4R' plan, ensuring protection for the opposition and safeguarding the fundamental rights of the people, including freedom of expression.

The envoys welcomed President Suluhu Hassan’s call for an immediate investigation to identify those responsible and ensure accountability.