With Kibao’s death, the political fallout unfolds, intensifying national turmoil. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar es Salaam. Emotions ran high at the funeral of former Chadema cadre Ali Kibao in Tanga when Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni addressed the crowd. What was meant to be a solemn moment of remembrance took a dramatic turn as a section of mourners loudly called for his resignation, citing the ongoing abductions and killings plaguing the country.
The calls for Masauni’s resignation reverberated through the crowd, as people expressed frustration over the state’s perceived failure to address the rising insecurity. Kibao’s tragic death, following his abduction, seemed to be the breaking point for many. As Minister Masauni attempted to speak, the cries only grew louder, demanding accountability from those in power.
However, amid the rising tension, Freeman Mbowe, the Chairman of Chadema, managed to calm the agitated crowd. Mbowe appealed for order, urging the mourners to let the Minister finish his speech. With Mbowe's intervention, Minister Masauni completed his address, but the incident left a mark on an already charged atmosphere.
Opposition leaders from both Chadema and ACT Wazalendo have renewed calls for Masauni and the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillius Wambura to step down. They argue that the state's failure to protect its citizens has resulted in a wave of kidnappings and murders, with Kibao’s death being a glaring example of the deepening security crisis.
The leaders made these demands on Monday, September 9, 2024, during the funeral of Ali Kibao, a prominent Chadema member who was abducted and killed in a case that has sent shockwaves across the country.
Kibao, a member of Chadema’s secretariat, was taken on the evening of September 6, 2024, near Kibo Complex in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, while traveling from Dar to Tanga on a Tashriff bus. His body was found on Sunday, September 8, 2024, in Ununio, Dar es Salaam, triggering widespread condemnation.
The funeral, held at Kibao’s home in Tanga, was not just a moment to mourn his death but became a platform for political leaders to criticize the government’s handling of security matters. Kibao’s death added to the growing list of incidents that have left many questioning the state's ability to safeguard its citizens.
Godbless Lema, Chadema’s Northern Zone Chairman, didn’t hold back as he addressed the mourners. In a direct message to Minister Masauni, Lema expressed the anguish felt by the people.
"Honorable Minister, I kindly request that you refrain from attending the funeral of someone who was kidnapped. Attend the funeral of someone who was killed. You are hurting us. After the President's statement yesterday, I expected that today you would have resigned, and so would the IGP.
Other leaders should also step aside." Lema went on to emphasize that his words were not intended to disrespect the Minister but were born out of the pain and frustration shared by many Tanzanians. He added, “You are the Minister of Home Affairs; help us. I wonder, if I commit a crime and the police come to arrest me, how do I get out?” Lema's remarks captured the collective grief and anger of the opposition, who see the continued violence and insecurity as a direct result of poor governance.
Isihaka Machinjita, the Deputy Chairman (Mainland) of ACT Wazalendo, echoed Lema's sentiments. In his address, Machinjita pointed out the systemic failures of the police force in protecting citizens.
"The incident that has brought us together here is the murder of our brother, Ali Kibao. Such an incident raises serious concerns about our safety. We are left wondering whether we are truly safe in this country. Our brother was killed because the police have failed to ensure the safety of citizens." Machinjita did not mince his words, calling for Minister Masauni to take responsibility.
"As I was watching online and saw the Minister (Masauni) arriving, I remembered that we had already called for the honorable minister to step down when these incidents first began," Machinjita said.
The opposition leaders' demands reflect growing unrest and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of security. For many, the series of kidnappings and unsolved murders, coupled with Kibao’s death, has become a symbol of the government's inability to maintain order. While the Minister was able to finish his speech, the calls for his resignation have intensified, raising questions about how the administration will respond to the mounting pressure.
Ali Kibao, who had served as a key figure in Chadema’s secretariat, was last seen on the evening of September 6, 2024, when he was abducted by unknown individuals while traveling from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. His body was found two days later, dumped in a remote area of Ununio, Dar es Salaam. His death, following a pattern of similar abductions, has reignited debates about security in Tanzania.
The political fallout from Kibao’s death is intensifying, with opposition leaders demanding high-profile resignations. The US Embassy has also expressed concern, calling for increased measures to address the violence and insecurity that have deeply shaken the nation.