Race to replace Ndugai begins as 24 candidates campaign
Former speaker, Job Ndugai
What you need to know:
- Nine of the 24 aspirants had passed the initial screening and previously contested, although their votes trailed behind the late Ndugai, who led the overall results.
Dodoma. The question of who will contest the parliamentary seat in Kongwa remains unresolved following the death of frontrunner, Mr Job Ndugai, on August 6, 2025.
The ruling CCM has announced that the opinion poll process will be repeated, with the internal election scheduled for Sunday, August 17, 2025.
Will the initially proposed candidates return? Will those previously disqualified get another chance? Have the reasons for earlier exclusions changed?
These questions remain pressing as, on the morning of Friday, August 15, 2025, the 24 individuals who collected nomination forms to succeed Ndugai await official confirmation to begin campaigning.
CCM Secretary for Kongwa District, Ms Joyce Mkaugala, said they are waiting for the final list of candidates so that campaigning through ward-level meetings can start today.
“Meetings are scheduled as usual today. We are awaiting the names this morning so that the nominated candidates can come forward and begin campaigning,” said Ms Mkaugala.
Nine of the 24 aspirants had passed the initial screening and previously contested, although their votes trailed behind the late Ndugai, who led the overall results.
Others who were initially excluded from the selection have now collected forms, including the Young Africans Sports Club president, Hersi Said, who first applied for the Kigamboni seat but has now turned to Kongwa.
Mr Ndugai, the former Speaker of the National Assembly, who passed away on August 6, 2025, was laid to rest on Monday, August 11, 2025, at his residence in Kongwa, Dodoma Region.
National Assembly Clerk, Mr Baraka Leonard, said Mr Ndugai passed away at 3 pm on 6 August in Dodoma, after suffering a sharp drop in blood pressure caused by a severe respiratory infection.
The former Kongwa Member of Parliament and devoted CCM cadre served as Speaker of the National Assembly from 2015 until 2022, having previously held the position of Deputy Speaker from 2010.
The deceased was widely credited with modernising parliamentary procedures and fostering robust government oversight.
