Killing of opposition stalwart: ‘Never again’

Dar es Salaam. The abduction and subsequent killing of an opposition politician has united people from across the political divide who have urged the government to ensure that such an incident does not occur again.

Some of those who spoke during Ali Kibao’s burial in Tanga on Monday demanded the resignation of Home Affairs minister Hamad Yusuf Masauni and Inspector General of Police Camillius Wambura following an increase in abductions and killings, saying they have failed to protect Tanzanians.

“Mr Minister, I urge you not to attend another funeral of someone who has been abducted….you are causing us pain. I expected that after the President’s statement yesterday (Sunday), you and the IGP would have resigned by now, with other leaders also stepping aside,” said Chadema’s Northern Zone chairman, Mr Godbless Lema.

Kibao, who was a member of the Chadema Secretariat, was reported missing after being abducted on the evening of September 6 from a bus travelling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga.

His body was discovered on September 8 in Ununio, Dar es Salaam.

The Vice Chairman (Mainland) of the opposition ACT Wazalendo, Mr Isihaka Machinjita, echoed Lema’s sentiments.

“The event that brought us together here is the death of our brother (Kibao), and such an incident raises concerns about our safety. We have questions about our security, as this brother was killed because the police force failed to protect citizens,” he stated.

Mr Machinjita added that he had previously called for the minister’s resignation in light of these incidents.

Chadema national chairman Freeman Mbowe said Kibao’s death and blood should be a voice of liberation against injustices people were subjected to in the country’s systems of administration.

“We will use our courts as much as possible and all other possible things to make this death the final loss for someone to die of unnatural causes,” he added.

He said mourners have turned bitter during the burial because of the pain they were inflicted including burying abducted and later killed relatives, and the whereabouts of others remaining unknown to date.

He shared names of missing party cadres as Temeke district secretary, Mr Jacob Mlay; the youth wing (Bavicha) district chairman, Mr Deusdedit Soka; and another member who doubles as bodaboda taxi operator Frank Mbise who had their motorbike stolen.

“About two weeks ago, three other leaders were abducted in Dar es Salaam at the day-light after being summoned at the Temeke Police Station to collect their motorbike, and since then they have gone missing to date,” he said.

He told Mr Masauni who attended the burial that being the accused, the Police Force cannot probe itself, rather the President should form an independent judicial commission of inquiry.

“The commission would be a better place for people who are uncomfortable to share information and evidence to the police to do so,” he said, revealing that he had known Kibao since 1989.

He called party leaders and those of its wings in Dar es Salaam consisting of 102 wards, and 10 constituencies to gather at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, September 11, 2024, for a special he didn’t unveil.

In his brief speech, Chadema Secretary General John Mnyika thanked Mr Masauni for the consolation, “But, I join hands with other leaders who have called for your accountability on behalf of institutions of your supervision.”

The Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) member of the National Executive Council (NEC), Mr Wilson Elias asked the government which is mandated to protect people and their properties to sit together with stakeholders including political parties to find lasting solutions to the incidents.

The United States Embassy in the country said murder and disappearances, as well as last month’s detentions, beatings, and other efforts to disenfranchise citizens ahead of elections, should have no place in a democracy.

In the Embassy’s statement, it also expressed condolences to Kibao’s family and the nation, highlighting that these brutal acts undermine rights guaranteed by the Tanzanian Constitution.

The Tanzanian billionaire businessman and CCM cadre Rostam Aziz condemned the recent surge in violence, which includes abductions, torture, and the tragic murder of Kibao.

Mr Aziz voiced his deep sympathy for the bereaved family and the Chadema community, stating, “I join all Tanzanians in extending condolences to the family, relatives, friends, and Chadema leaders and members for this deeply saddening loss.”

Mr Aziz also praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s response to the crisis, noting that her strong message affirmed Tanzania’s commitment to democratic values and human rights.

“The President has issued a strong message, saying: ‘Our country is a democratic and every citizen has the right to live. The government I lead will not tolerate such brutal acts,’” Aziz quoted.

Aziz called on Tanzanians to unite against the return of oppressive practices, urging the public to support President Hassan’s efforts in combating brutality.

“As a Tanzanian citizen who has served our country in various leadership roles and who was raised in a nation that values human dignity and the worth of our humanity under the principles of freedom and justice, I urge my fellow Tanzanians to unite and reject a return to the dark ages where human dignity and lives seemed worthless,” he said.

He reaffirmed his support for President Hassan, praising her for her commitment to human rights and justice, arguing the nation to stand together in the restoration and upholding the foundational values of humanity, freedom, and justice as envisioned by the country’s founders.

In her speech, the Tanga Regional Commissioner, Dr Batilda Buriani said on behalf of the government, Tanga residents, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan who also was represented by Mr Masauni, expressed her sadness following the loss of KIbao.

“We shouldn’t be the first to point accusing fingers, instead we should give space to government institutions to execute their duties as instructed. We should also pray for a demised leader,” she said, reminding mourners of the President’s 4Rs (Reconciliation, Resilience, Reform, and Rebuild).

Speaking during the burial ceremony, Home Affairs Minister Masauni said like the Vice President (Philip Mpango); Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, and his deputy Doto Biteko, the President and the whole government have been touched by Kibao’s killing.

She has ordered an immediate investigation for the arrest of perpetrators and brought them to justice.

“We are disappointed and saddened. It is the incident that wasn’t supposed to happen, especially to the country better known for its peace and tranquility as compared to neighbouring and other countries in the world,” said Mr Masauni after mourners maintained calmness following Mr Mbowe’s plea to stop wooing as they pressed for his resignation.

“I should assure mourners that this incident will not pass without repercussions as the implementation of the President’s directives has started and continues for measures to be extended against all involved individuals,” he said.

He called on the public to stop accusations, and instead, they should share valid and credible information that will enhance the arrest and arraignment of perpetrators.

He assured the government’s solidarity with the family, pledging that such incidents will not be tolerated in the country.