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| Ally Mohamed Kibao, a member of Chadema's National Secretariat, is reportedly abducted. photo: Courtesy |
By Adonis Byemelwa
As dusk fell over Dar es Salaam on the afternoon of September 7, 2024, the atmosphere at the Chadema headquarters was charged. Journalists, activists, and party members alike waited for Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika to step forward. When he finally addressed the nation, it wasn’t a usual political update but an emotional plea for answers, a call for justice.
Mnyika spoke about the harrowing disappearance of Mzee Ally Mohamed Kibao, a senior member of the Chadema National Secretariat, who had been abducted in broad daylight, and ripped from a bus by men carrying guns. These were not ordinary firearms, Mnyika stressed—they were weapons typically associated with the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS).
"The type of guns these individuals carried… these were guns used by the National Intelligence and Security Service, not by the police," Mnyika said, his voice firm but weighted with concern.
His message was pointed and clear: the Chadema leadership would not remain silent, and he called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to explain whether the abduction was sanctioned by law enforcement.
"If the police were involved, we demand to know where Mzee Kibao is being held and in what condition. If not, then the Director of National Intelligence must step forward and tell us if Kibao was taken by the intelligence service."
Efforts to reach Tanzania Police spokesperson David Misime for comment were unsuccessful. His phone rang unanswered, heightening the anxiety surrounding the mysterious abduction.
Many Tanzanians are growing weary, a sense of fear quietly sweeping through communities as incidents of secretive abductions and extrajudicial actions escalate. "We’ve seen this before. Arresting someone—be it a suspected criminal or a terrorist—must follow legal procedures," one critic commented, drawing parallels to the oppressive reign of Uganda’s former dictator, Idi Amin. "Back then, those taken in this manner never returned. Are we headed down the same path?"
The silence from the highest offices only adds to the concern. Some CCM cadres based in Mwanza, who requested anonymity, hinted at deeper issues, saying, "When these terrible events occur and the Head of State remains quiet, something is amiss. There’s political inertia creeping in. How can we champion tourism or economic growth when our citizens are disappearing? If the state fails to tackle abductions and atrocities, we’ll struggle to maintain our reputation as an island of peace."
Mnyika’s appeal reflects the growing anxiety felt by Tanzanians who once trusted their country’s security forces to uphold the rule of law. But the case of Mzee Kibao is just the latest in a string of mysterious disappearances, casting a dark shadow over the country’s political and social climate.
Citizens are left wondering how much further these operations will go to silence opposition voices. "We fear for our future. If this continues, it won’t be long before everyone starts looking over their shoulder, fearing who will be next," said a concerned Dar es Salaam resident.
The situation has also drawn comparisons to other cases, such as that of Kombo Mbwana, officially registered as criminal case number 19759 of 2024, which captivated public attention due to the peculiar circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
Mbwana was taken from his home by unknown individuals on June 15, 2024, and remained missing until July 14, 2024. Acting Regional Police Commander Zakaria Bernard confirmed at the time that Mbwana was in police custody, but the delay in revealing his whereabouts had already ignited outrage.
Mbwana’s case resurfaced during court proceedings when Chief Magistrate Moses Maroa announced that bail was available, requiring two guarantors to sign a bond of Sh 2 million each. Despite the court’s decision, police intervened, preventing Mbwana’s release under the pretext of an ongoing investigation.
The Regional Crime Officer (RCO) of Tanga filed an affidavit requesting the denial of bail, arguing that the investigation into SIM card fraud was incomplete. Mbwana’s legal team vigorously challenged this, and the court set a deadline for a counter-affidavit ahead of the next hearing.
While the specific charges against Mbwana—violations of SIM card registration under section 126 of the Electronic and Postal Communications Act—might appear straightforward, they symbolize a broader issue plaguing the region. The lack of transparency, delays in legal processes, and abductions disguised as arrests raise serious questions about human rights and governance in Tanzania.
Religious figures have joined the growing chorus of voices demanding transparency and accountability from the state. ELCT Bishop Dr. Benson Bagonza was particularly vocal, stating, "The government’s role is to protect its citizens, not terrorize them.
Disappearing people without a trace creates a climate of fear that will not support peace or democracy. Tanzania is heading down a dangerous road if these covert operations are not stopped."
The Bishop’s words resonated with many Tanzanians, who now fear that the upcoming elections may be marred by further unrest. "If the government can’t enforce transparency now, what does that mean for our elections?" asked a political analyst. As tensions mount, it’s becoming clear that Tanzania is at a crossroads.
Abductions like those of Mzee Kibao and Kombo Mbwana are not isolated incidents but rather part of a disturbing pattern of state overreach and eroding civil liberties.
Despite these developments, John Mnyika remained resolute as he closed his statement. "We will not be silenced," he declared. "We demand answers, and we will continue to demand them until Mzee Ally Mohamed Kibao is found and brought back safely."
The fight for transparency and justice is far from over, but with every unanswered phone call and each day of silence, Tanzanians grow more fearful of what lies ahead.