Road crash claims 11th MP

Mtwara.Another MP died in a greasily road accident on Sunday night, bringing to 11, National Assembly members who have died in the life of the 10th Parliament.

Civic United Front (CUF) Special Seats MP Clara Mwatuka died on the spot when her car rolled several times into a valley in Mayuyu. The accident scene lies between Newala and Masasi districts.

Ms Mwatuka was heading to Newala from Nanganga Village where she had gone to visit relatives before embarking on the journey back to Dar es Salaam. According to Mtwara regional police commander Henry Mwaibambe, the MP’s Land Cruiser which was being driven by her son Charles Mwatuka tipped at a steep slope before rolling down a gulley. The MP was thrown out of the car and died from the impact.

The MP’s husband, Mr Joel Mwatuka, their son and a grandchild Grace Mfaume, who were travelling with her are admitted in serious condition at Ndanda Mission hospital in Masasi. Mwatuka’s body was also preserved at the same hospital.

Ms Mwatuka is expected to be buried today. Mr Mwaibambe said police are still investigating the cause of the accident. Ms Mwatuka becomes the third MP to die in a road accident in the current 10th Parliament whose life ends on August 20th. Others who died in road crashes were Regina Mtema (Chadema- Special Seats) in 2011 on Chalinze road and Mr Mussa Silima in 2012 shortly after a road crash in Dodoma that also claimed the life of his wife Mwanakheri Twalib.

The latest MP’s demise brings to 11 the number of legislators who have died, many of hem, however, through sickness.

They include Dr William Mgimwa MP (Kalenga), Mr Saidi Bwanamdogo (Chalinze), Ms Mariam Mfaki (Special Seats CCM), Mr Donald Max (Geita), Mr John Komba (Mbiga West), Ms Eugene Mwaiposa (Ukonga), Salim Hemed Khamis and Mr Jeremiah Sumari Arumeru East.