Kikwete reveals reasons behind appointing Frederick Werema as High Court judge

Dar es Salaam. Former President Jakaya Kikwete has disclosed the factors that led him to appoint Frederick Werema as a High Court judge in 2006, citing his legal expertise and commitment to justice as key motivations.

Mr Kikwete made the remarks on Thursday January 2, 2025, during a farewell ceremony held at Karimjee Grounds in Dar es Salaam to honour Werema who passed away at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) after a brief illness, on Monday.

Werema served as Attorney General from 2009 until his resignation in 2014 and was a retired judge.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Kikwete recalled that Werema’s appointment, alongside 20 other judges and magistrates, was necessitated by a shortage of legal experts at the time.

“The qualities attributed to Werema are what persuaded me to appoint him as a High Court judge in 2006,” Mr Kikwete said.

“That year, Chief Justice Barnabas Samatta approached me with a request to appoint 10 judges. There was a significant outcry over the lack of judges and magistrates.”

Mr Kikwete explained that the shortage was linked to delays in resolving cases brought before the courts.

“When I discussed the matter with Chief Justice Samatta, he insisted on increasing the number of judges and other judicial officers. Although the fiscal year was halfway through, there were unused salaries for six months, which made it feasible,” he added.

Following the discussions, Mr Kikwete approved the request, eventually increasing the number of judges to 20, with Werema among those appointed.

“2006 was the first year the judiciary received 20 judges, and one of them was Werema. Whenever we met, he always had ideas on how to improve the legal profession and government oversight,” Mr Kikwete said.

Describing Werema, Mr Kikwete remarked; “He was a legal expert, deeply patriotic, and always provided counsel rooted in national interest. He was diligent, skilled, and passionate about justice, contributing significantly to the nation through his roles in the judiciary and as Attorney General.”

Mr Kikwete added that some of Werema’s rulings continue to serve as key references in deciding other cases, emphasising the profound loss to the nation.

Contributions to law and governance

Attorney General Hamza Johari, described Judge Werema as a visionary and dedicated individual who believed in the power of the law to foster justice and national development.

“In his various roles, he participated in research and provided counsel on major constitutional changes, especially during the shift to a multi-party system,” Mr Johari said.

He noted that in 1998, Judge Werema was appointed director of constitutional and human rights affairs at the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where he oversaw constitutional reforms, the establishment of the Human Rights Commission, and electoral reforms.

“Judge Werema played a critical role in strengthening legal systems and governance. He also drafted several key laws, including the Constitutional Review Act, the Election Act, the Children’s Act, the Persons with Disabilities Act, and the Mining Act,” he said.

Mr Johari highlighted Werema’s contribution to resolving the Lake Nyasa dispute between Tanzania and Malawi, where he provided critical advice during negotiations in Maputo, Mozambique.

“His patriotism was evident in how he guided us during those discussions,” Mr Johari added.

Solicitor General, Dr Ally Possi, praised Werema’s contributions, stating that his legacy lives on through his landmark rulings.

“Judge Werema left behind valuable precedents, with about 28 impactful decisions that continue to guide the legal fraternity,” Dr Possi said.

Family spokesperson Japhet Werema announced that the late Werema’s body would be transported from Dar es Salaam to Mwanza before proceeding to Mara Region for burial.

“The burial will take place at his home in Butihama, Mara, on Saturday, January 4, 2025,” he said.