Shock as Tanzania ruling party district leader fatally shot in Iringa
What you need to know:
- The violent incident occurred on Tuesday near Njiapanda ya Tosamaganga, a village in Iringa District Council, just outside Iringa town, where Kibiki resided.
Iringa. Christina Kibiki, the Secretary of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for Kilolo District, was tragically shot dead by unidentified assailants in a late-night attack that has left the local community in shock.
The violent incident occurred on Tuesday near Njiapanda ya Tosamaganga, a village in Iringa District Council, just outside Iringa town, where Kibiki resided.
Witnesses reported that Kibiki was ambushed and shot between 4:30 and 5:00 p.m. on the outskirts of Njiapanda ya Tosamaganga. She was immediately rushed to Tosamaganga Regional Referral Hospital but was later pronounced dead.
The CCM District Chairman for Kilolo John Kiteve, confirmed the tragic news in a phone interview with The Citizen, expressing his profound sorrow over the sudden loss of his colleague.
“The news has deeply saddened us as a party. We are preparing for her funeral, which is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. Our CCM Secretary-General, Emmanuel Nchimbi, is expected to attend to pay his respects,” he said.
The community has expressed concern and grief over Kibiki’s untimely death, with many calling for swift justice.
Efforts to reach Iringa Regional Police Commander Allan Bukumbi for comments are ongoing as authorities intensify investigations into the incident. The Citizen will continue to follow developments closely.
Shocking
The CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity and Training Mr Amos Makala said in a statement yesterday that the party was in shock to learn of the death.
“The Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) has received with great shock the news of the death of its Kilolo District Secretary in Iringa Region, Ms Christina Kibiki, who was killed by unknown assailants,” reads part of Mr Makala’s statement.
It said the late Ms Kibiki was preparing to attend an orientation seminar for the party’s secretaries in Dodoma tomorrow.
“CCM extends its condolences to her family, relatives, leaders, and members of the CCM in Iringa Region following this sudden and brutal death….We urge our members to remain calm as law enforcement agencies continue to investigate this incident to bring those responsible to justice,” the statement reads in part.
