Five charged with murder of CCM Official in Iringa
Alleged suspects of the murder of former CCM Kilolo District secretary arrive at the Iringa court. Photo | Fiday Simbaya
What you need to know:
- Kibiki, a prominent figure in the community, was tragically shot and killed in a late-night ambush, and the incident has sent shockwaves through the Iringa community.
Iringa. Five individuals have been charged with the murder of the former CCM Kilolo District Secretary in Iringa Region Christina Kibiki (56).
Those who have appeared before the Iringa District Court facing the murder charges include the party’s District Parents' Wing Hedikosi Kimwaga, and the Nyanzwa Councillor, Mr Boniphace Yohana Ugwale, alias Katili.
Other suspects facing charges in Criminal Case Number 34404 of 2024 are: Kefa Wales, Silla Kimwaga and Willy Chikweo.
Before Senior Magistrate Rehema Mayagilo presiding the case, State Attorney Sauli Makori the five persons were accused of killing the CCM cadre in the incident that took place on November 12, 2024, in Ugwachanya Village, Iringa District.
Mr Makori informed the court that the investigation into the case is ongoing and requested an adjournment to a later date.
The request was granted and Magistrate Mayagilo rescheduled the case for further mention on January 7, 2025.
The CCM cadre (Ms Kibiki) was tragically shot dead by unidentified assailants in a late-night attack that has left the local community in shock.
The violent incident occurred on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, near Njiapanda ya Tosamaganga, a village in Iringa District Council, just outside Iringa town, where Kibiki resided.
Witnesses reported that Kibiki was ambushed and shot between 4:30 and 5:00 pm on the outskirts of Njiapanda ya Tosamaganga.
She was immediately rushed to Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital, but was later pronounced dead.
Earlier, Iringa Regional Police Commander, Allan Bukumbi, on December 16, 2024, confirmed the arrest of several individuals in connection with the killings as investigation intensified.
“Some have been questioned and freed as three remain in custody for further interrogation,” he said.
Speaking at Ugwachanya village during Ms Kibiki’s burial on November 16, last year, the CCM secretary general, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi described the deceased as a committed leader.
He stressed the importance of unity, love and forgiveness: “As Tanzanians, we must protect peace by fostering love and solidarity, without turning against one another.”
The murder has stirred outrage and grief among religious leaders, politicians, and the public.
The Chadema chairperson for Iringa Urban Constituency, Mr Frank Nyalusi: “We must firmly condemn acts of violence. A thorough investigation must be conducted to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.”
Iringa Regional Commissioner Peter Serukamba assured the public that justice will prevail: “We are conducting a thorough investigation in collaboration with security agencies from neighbouring regions. We aim to bring the criminals to justice.”
