Vice President Mpango resurfaces after month-long absence

Dar es Salaam. Vice President Philip Mpango resurfaced on Sunday after being absent from public view for over a month.

His reappearance at a Sunday mass at the Blessed Maria Theresa Ledochowska Parish in Dodoma sparked relief and ended widespread speculation about his whereabouts.

Dr. Mpango addressed the congregation after the mass, presided over by Father Dionis Paskal Safari.

He emphasized the need for responsible social media usage, stating, "Many people are hurt by baseless allegations online. We should fear God and make better use of social networks."

He further addressed the recent rumors surrounding him, stating, "There have been photos circulating alongside a candle, and claims that I have passed away. It's too early – I haven't completed the job God sent me to do."

He added, "Social media is good, but some have misused it to hurt others' reputations. I will return to my maker only when my time comes. I'm grateful for your prayers."

The Vice President's reappearance brought an end to the frenzied speculation that had gripped social media.

He clarified that he had been abroad for over a month on "special duties" and assured the public that he was "fit as a fiddle."

Dr. Mpango later joined President Samia Suluhu Hassan and other senior officials at Chamwino State House to receive donations for victims of the recent deadly mudslides and flash floods in Hanang, Manyara Region.

He reiterated his call for responsible social media use, emphasising the ideals built by Tanzania's founding fathers.

"I thank all leaders and Tanzanians who prayed for me," he said. "I have sought God's forgiveness for those behind these wild speculations."

He further highlighted the impact of such rumors on families and colleagues, stating, "Leaders are humans too, with families. Such reports lead to unnecessary panic. In 2021, my sister fainted after receiving false reports of my death."

President Hassan acknowledged the challenges faced by public figures regarding speculation about their whereabouts. "We, as leaders, should be ready for this," she said.

The Vice President's absence had sparked widespread concern, with the Prime Minister previously urging citizens to ignore speculation and assuring the public that Dr. Mpango was on a working visit abroad.

According to a statement issued by the Vice President’s Office on October 31, 2023, Dr Mpango represented President Hassan during a virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc).

On December 4, 2023, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said Dr Mpango was abroad on a working visit and urged Tanzanians to ignore speculation on social media.