Home Affairs Minister, Hamad Masauni. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The Tanzanian government has expelled controversial pastor Dominique Dibwe, popularly known as "Kiboko ya Wachawi" (The Witch Hunters' Scourge), for fraudulent activities that exploited his followers.
Dibwe, a pastor from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), gained notoriety in Dar es Salaam's Buza neighborhood through his Christian Life Ministry, where he deceived congregants by charging exorbitant fees for prayers and so-called miracles.
His expulsion comes after incriminating videos surfaced online, showing him counting large sums of money and boasting about charging followers up to Sh. 500,000 for spiritual services. The Tanzanian government swiftly labeled Dibwe's actions as exploitative and contrary to religious teachings.
Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni defended the government’s decision on Saturday 7th September 2024, emphasizing the need to protect Tanzanians from such exploitation. “This pastor’s actions went against the core of religious teachings—he preyed on vulnerable people, making them believe that wealth and solutions to their problems could be attained through financial transactions and fake miracles,” Masauni said during a Seventh-day Adventist camp in Arumeru, Arusha.
He commended the Seventh-day Adventist Church for adhering to true religious principles while stressing that freedom of worship, though constitutionally protected, must remain within the boundaries of the law. “No one is above the law—whether foreigner or citizen. Religious activities must serve the people, not exploit them,” he added.
The expulsion of Dibwe followed a formal notice issued on July 25, 2024, by the Registrar of Civil Societies, Emmanuel Kihampa, ordering Dibwe to cease all religious activities and close his ministry. Complying with the order, Dibwe left the country, bringing an end to his controversial presence in Tanzania.
The move against Dibwe is part of the government’s broader crackdown on fraudulent religious activities and a disturbing rise in ritual killings across the country. Minister Masauni expressed concern over the growing number of such crimes tied to superstitious beliefs, noting that several cases of ritualistic murders, including the killing and burial of children, have been reported.
"Our security forces are working tirelessly to curtail these horrific crimes. We’ve seen a disturbing moral decline where people, driven by false beliefs, engage in heinous acts like murders in the name of witchcraft," said Masauni. Several arrests have been made, including that of a traditional healer linked to these sinister activities.
Tanzanian religious leaders have also raised the alarm over the dangerous rise in fraudulent religious practices. Catholic Bishop Almachius Rweyongeza of Kayanga Parish in Karagwe District condemned the manipulation of faith by individuals claiming divine powers.
He cited the notorious case of preacher Boniface Mwamposa, whose chaotic gathering in Dar es Salaam led to a deadly stampede that killed 20 people. Rweyongeza warned that such self-proclaimed prophets, who spread hate and make false promises, are not only misleading their followers but also sowing divisions and inciting violence.
"These so-called prophets are turning places of worship into profit-making enterprises, preying on the faith and trust of vulnerable people. It’s time the government intervened before this malady damages the fabric of our society," said Rweyongeza.
He was particularly critical of leaders like Mwamposa and Josephat Gwajima, the latter of whom made the bold claim that he could raise the dead. Despite widespread skepticism, Gwajima continues to attract large crowds with extraordinary promises, leaving many disillusioned.
Rweyongeza’s concerns echo the broader anxiety in Tanzania over the growing trend of religious manipulation. He pointed to figures like Diana Bundala from Mwanza, who claims miraculous healing powers, and King Zumaridi, another spiritual leader from Mwanza, both of whom have built large followings by promising wealth and health in exchange for donations.
"Freedom of worship is being grossly abused in Tanzania," Rweyongeza lamented, calling for stronger government regulation to protect citizens from these charlatans.
This sentiment was shared by Minister Masauni, who emphasized the need for ethical and legal boundaries in religious practices. "Religious freedom should not be a shield for criminal behavior. Leaders who manipulate people's faith for their gain will face the consequences," Masauni warned. His message was clear: the government is committed to ensuring that religious activities align with both ethical principles and legal requirements.
The rise in ritual killings and witchcraft-related crimes has further complicated Tanzania’s religious landscape. Over the past month, security forces have uncovered several ritualistic murders, including the burial of children in sitting positions—a practice linked to superstitious beliefs. The arrest of a traditional healer involved in these crimes underscores the government's determination to tackle the issue head-on.
Minister Masauni expressed deep concern over the moral decline driving these horrific acts. "No one with a genuine fear of God would engage in such evil acts. We need to restore moral values and ethical living," he said. He urged Tanzanians to remain vigilant and grounded in their faith, calling for a return to true spiritual values where worship is not driven by fear, greed, or superstition.
As the government continues its crackdown on fraudulent religious activities, there is growing hope that leaders like Rweyongeza, who champion integrity and ethical oversight, will help restore the true essence of worship in Tanzania.
"Religious leaders must follow both the laws of God and the laws of the country. Those who choose otherwise will face the consequences," Masauni reiterated, calling on all citizens to remain steadfast in their faith while upholding the rule of law.
With the expulsion of Dominique Dibwe marking the first step in the government’s firmer stance on fraudulent religious practices, there is a renewed sense of urgency to protect Tanzanians from exploitation. The collaboration between government authorities and responsible religious leaders like Rweyongeza signals a promising future, where the country’s religious landscape is grounded in integrity, respect, and the genuine pursuit of spiritual growth.