Kinana’s successor to be announced on January 19: CCM

Dodoma. The successor to Abdulrahman Kinana as Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) deputy chairperson for Tanzania Mainland will be announced between January 18 and 19, 2025, during a special general meeting to be held in Dodoma, the party announced.

The position has been vacant since July 28, 2024, following Mr Kinana’s resignation.

Mr Kinana, who previously served as the party’s secretary general, was elected as deputy chairperson on April 1, 2022, with unanimous support, receiving 1,875 votes—equivalent to 100 percent approval.

He succeeded Mr Philip Mangula, who also resigned with the approval of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

Mr Kinana’s resignation has left the position unfilled for nearly five months, an unprecedented occurrence in the party’s history.

According to the CCM constitution, the deputy chairperson plays a crucial role in assisting the party’s chairperson in fulfilling their duties.

Speaking to reporters yesterday, CCM’s secretary for ideology, publicity, and training, Mr Amos Makalla, announced the upcoming special general meeting scheduled for January 18-19 in Dodoma.

Among the key agenda items will be the election of the new deputy chairperson, he said.

“There has been much speculation about who will succeed Mr Kinana, with some even predicting names. However, the process of selecting the new deputy chairperson is strictly guided by the party’s internal procedures,” Mr Makalla explained.

He clarified that the role is not contested through applications. Instead, the National Executive Committee and Central Committee deliberate and nominate a candidate whose name is then presented to the general meeting for approval.

“The ongoing predictions about Mr Kinana’s successor are baseless, as the decision has not yet been made,” Mr Makalla said, adding that the Central and National Executive Committees will convene on January 16, 2025, to finalise the selection process.

In addition to electing the new deputy chairperson, the meeting will review CCM’s achievements from 2022 to 2025 and assess the implementation of its manifesto by both the Union Government and the Revolutionary Government of Zanzibar.

“We welcome all delegates and invitees to this well-prepared meeting under the leadership of secretary general, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi,” said Mr Makalla.

Speculations surround

Despite Mr Makalla’s clarification, several prominent CCM figures have been rumoured to be potential candidates for the position, especially as the party gears up for the 2025 General Election.

Among those speculated are former Prime Ministers Mizengo Pinda and Frederick Sumaye, both of whom have extensive leadership experience within the government and CCM.

Other names include Abdallah Bulembo, a former chairperson of the party’s parents’ wing and a veteran CCM cadre, as well as Rajabu Abdarahman, the CCM Tanga regional chairperson and a central committee member.

Mr Steven Wassira, a seasoned politician who has held numerous government and party positions since the era of Julius Nyerere, and Paul Kimiti, another veteran with a long history in CCM and government leadership, are also mentioned.

Prof Mark Mwandosya, known for his service in ministerial roles and within CCM, is another name frequently cited.

The outcome of the process is anticipated to have significant implications for the party’s direction ahead of the General Election in October 2025.