What Odero will stand for if elected national chairman for Tanzania’s opposition Chadema

One of the central proposals from Odero’s reform agenda is the creation of an independent election board to oversee the party’s internal elections.

According to Odero, the current system lacks the necessary checks and balances, and an independent body would ensure that elections are conducted fairly and without external influence.

Additionally, Odero called for the establishment of a party court that would address grievances and disputes within Chadema, ensuring that justice is served in a timely and impartial manner.

“I want our internal elections to be managed by an independent electoral board. Additionally, we need a party court that will hear complaints and dispense justice when disputes arise,” Odero stated. These proposals reflect his desire for a party that is both self-regulating and transparent in its decision-making processes.

Odero’s focus on reform extends beyond the election process. He raised questions about the current structure of Chadema’s leadership, suggesting that it may be time for members to have a more direct role in electing key positions such as the chairman and vice-chairman.

He also proposed rethinking the necessity of gathering at centralized locations like Mlimani City or Dodoma for elections. In Odero’s view, a more decentralized approach could increase participation and engagement among party members.

Further, Odero questioned the current role of the vice-chairman, suggesting that the position should not merely serve as a placeholder when the chairman is absent.

He argued that the vice-chairman should have more substantive duties, contributing directly to the party’s decision-making and operations. His vision includes a national executive committee streamlined to 15 members, each tasked with specific responsibilities based on their expertise.

For example, certain members could focus on areas such as education, foreign affairs, media relations, and business communities.

“For instance, one member could oversee education, another could handle foreign affairs, internal matters, media relations, religious leaders, business communities, and other sectors,” he explained. By refining the roles and responsibilities within the party, Odero hopes to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Chadema’s leadership.

These reforms, if implemented, would represent a major shift in Chadema’s approach to governance, with Odero emphasizing that the changes are necessary for the party to stay relevant and competitive in Tanzania’s political landscape.

A legacy of advocacy

Beyond his vision for Chadema’s future, Odero also took the opportunity to reflect on his past achievements, particularly his advocacy for the rights of Tanzanians. He highlighted several cases where he fought for the public’s interests, underscoring his commitment to justice and fairness.

One of his most notable successes came in 2022 when he opposed the government’s imposition of mobile money transaction levies. Odero contested the legality of the levies, arguing that they were unjustly imposed on Tanzanians. Although the case did not result in a full legal victory, Odero pointed to the reduction of the levies as a direct result of his efforts. “Today, Tanzanians are relieved because I saw that these levies were imposed unlawfully,” he said. “Although we did not win the case, it opened the government’s eyes to public dissatisfaction, leading to reductions in the levies.”

Odero also cited his role in challenging the National Prosecution Office in the High Court of Dar es Salaam. He filed a case challenging the practice of charging individuals before investigations were completed. “Although we did not win outright, the case set a precedent emphasizing that investigations must be thorough before arrests are made,” he noted, emphasizing the importance of protecting citizens from arbitrary detention.

Another key area of focus for Odero has been land rights, particularly for Tanzania’s pastoralist communities in regions like Loliondo, Ngorongoro, and Nyatwali Bunda. He expressed a deep commitment to defending the land rights of these communities, who often face challenges related to land ownership and displacement.

A divinely guided candidacy

As the election for Chadema’s national chairmanship approaches, Odero has made it clear that his decision to run is not a political maneuver but rather a calling that he believes is divinely inspired. Speaking confidently about his candidacy, Odero expressed unwavering faith in the guidance he has received from the Holy Spirit.

“I did not enter this race by chance. I communicated with the heavens and was satisfied with my decision. I have no intention of withdrawing,” he stated firmly, rejecting any speculation that he might step down in favor of his competitors. “If you ask me who I would choose among the three candidates, my first choice is Odero, my second choice is Odero, and my third choice is Odero.”

Odero also noted the symbolic nature of his candidacy, pointing out that his name appears between the two other major contenders—Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu—on the ballot. “God has placed me here,” he said, adding that the positioning of his name in the middle was part of a divine plan.

With the election set for January 21, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Odero is confident that his vision for Chadema will resonate with party members, and he remains resolute in his mission to lead the party into a new era of reform and progress.

As the race for Chadema’s leadership intensifies, the Tanzanian political landscape awaits to see whether Odero’s calls for change will find favor with the party’s rank and file. Only time will tell if his vision for a reformed Chadema will become a reality.