What reshuffling of Samia’s close aides could point to

“They are not bad leaders, but perhaps she wants to strengthen the State House office…Considering the upcoming local and general elections, removing these officials in a short period could be a strategy to prepare for future processes,” Dr Mushi said.

Veteran politician Paul Kimiti said there could be some challenges in the vetting process conducted by presidential aides before submitting names to the leader.

Mr Kimiti, who formerly served as minister, regional commissioner and member of Parliament, told The Citizen’s sister paper Mwananchi at his Ununui area in Dar es Salaam on Sunday, that thorough investigations should precede presidential appointments to ensure appointees serve long terms.

“The problem is that we as executives do not assist the president; they do not know all these individuals. Some names are forwarded due to personal friendships. In the past, there used to be thorough vetting; it wasn’t one person sending all the names,” he said.

He stressed that individuals with various qualifications should be scrutinised and evaluated for their capabilities before being appointed to their respective positions.

“I will check with other people, assess their friendships, understand their behaviour and even scrutinise their families. That’s why in the past, if you were appointed after thorough vetting, you would serve for many years,” said Mr Kimiti.

A political analyst and executive director for ForDIA, Mr Bubelwa Kaiza, said the reshuffle could suggest that President Hassan was preparing a team that could play key roles in the coming elections.

“While I lack concrete evidence, my analysis suggests that the upcoming elections this year and next could be a contributing factor. These moves could be preparations for the individuals required in those offices,” Mr Kaiza said.

Similarly, a Tanga-based political analyst, Mr Kiama Mwaimu, suggested that these officials may have failed to assist the President in realising her vision of serving Tanzanians.

“It’s also possible that these employees, in the President’s view, cannot ensure victory in the upcoming elections or contribute effectively to good governance in her government,” Mr Mwaimu added.

During the past two weeks, the President initiated substantial changes within the Office of the President, State House, signaling a strategic realignment of key positions aimed at enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in governance. On June 6, 2024, President Hassan moved the director of presidential communications, Ms Zuhura Yunus, to the Prime Minister’s Office (Labour, Youth, Employment, and the Disabled) who serve as Deputy Permanent Secretary.

Ms Felister Mdemu, previously serving as the President’s Assistant for Community Development, assumed the role of Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women, and Special Groups, focusing on gender and women’s affairs.

Mr Nehemia Mandia, formerly the President’s Assistant for Legal Affairs, was appointed as a Judge of the High Court of Tanzania, while Mr Petro Itozya, formerly a political aide, was named District Commissioner for Kisarawe. Further adjustments announced on Saturday, involved senior State House officer John Simbachawene, who was appointed as Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Industry and Trade.