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| Home Affairs Minister, Engineer Hamad Masauni, attended the funeral of the late Ali Mohamed Kibao, a leader of the Democracy and Development Party, who was abducted and found murdered recently. The funeral took place today in Tanga. (Photo: Ministry of Home Affairs). |
By Adonis Byemelwa
The gruesome death of Ali Mohamed Kibao has sent a seismic shockwave through Tanzania, igniting nationwide outrage and casting a glaring spotlight on the government's perceived failure to ensure the safety of its citizens.
Kibao, a man deeply respected in his community, was abducted, brutally tortured, and left for dead—his body a harrowing reminder of the unchecked insecurity plaguing the nation. The tragedy has thrust the country's leadership into the eye of the storm, with Tanzanians demanding not just justice for Kibao but sweeping reforms in the national security apparatus.
The public uproar over Kibao’s death has intensified, with many questioning the government's delayed response to the rising wave of kidnappings. Despite the public clamor for action, President Samia Suluhu Hassan's decision to wait for the results of an investigation before taking concrete steps has only fueled the growing discontent.
"Why did it take such a tragic event for the government to even consider acting?" asked Fatma Karume, a prominent lawyer in her X account. "This delayed response speaks volumes about the government’s commitment to the safety of ordinary Tanzanians."
Opposition leader Freeman Mbowe, a victim of an attempted kidnapping himself, minced no words in his condemnation of the government's sluggish reaction. "Kibao’s death isn't just an isolated incident—it reflects the lawlessness that is spreading across the country. People are afraid to step out of their homes, yet the government remains mute. Their silence emboldens the criminals who continue to wreak havoc," Mbowe declared, demanding immediate action.
Political figures and public commentators alike are now calling for sweeping reforms to restore public confidence in the government. Dr. Wilbrod Slaa, a former Chadema secretary-general, called for a full national inquiry into the epidemic of kidnappings. "This is a systematic failure of law enforcement. We cannot continue to let people disappear or die without holding the government accountable. We need transparency, and we need it now," Slaa said in a powerful statement.
Adding to the wave of condemnation, Godbless Lema, the former Chadema secretary-general who fled the country fearing for his life, decried Kibao’s murder as a reflection of the deteriorating security landscape in Tanzania. "If even prominent figures like Kibao are vulnerable, what hope do ordinary citizens have? The government must act, or it should step down and let those who are willing to protect Tanzanians take over," Lema emphasized.
The outrage has also taken on a religious tone, as Prophet Mtanganyika, a well-known cleric from Tanga, delivered a scathing sermon that has since gone viral. Citing the Book of Genesis, Mtanganyika suggested that Kibao's murder is a sign that the country's leadership has lost divine favor. "God will not forget the cries of the oppressed.
The blood of Ali Mohamed Kibao will not be ignored by the heavens. This is a moment of reckoning for Tanzania, and our leaders must repent," he thundered, calling for immediate resignations across the highest echelons of power.
Specifically, Mtanganyika urged President Samia not to contest the 2025 elections, declaring it time for a new leadership. "This is the moment for the president, the Home Affairs Minister, the Inspector General of Police, and the Director of Criminal Investigations to step down and take full accountability for their failures," he asserted.
In a particularly dramatic portion of his sermon, Mtanganyika condemned the burial scene of Kibao, where Minister of Home Affairs, Hamad Masauni, faced angry outbursts from the crowd. "The uproar and shouts of discontent during Masauni's speech at Kibao’s burial were a disgrace, a clear signal of the public's frustration with the government's inaction. It’s time the people’s voice is heard, and their anger is acknowledged, not dismissed," he added.
Religious leaders are joining the political chorus, with Dr. Fredrick Shoo, head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania and Chairman of the Tanzania Christian Council, issuing a rare, pointed rebuke of the government. "It is our duty as the Church to speak out when the lives of the people are at risk. We cannot remain silent while Tanzanians live in fear of abduction and violence. The government must act swiftly to restore peace and security," Dr. Shoo declared in a statement.
International observers have also weighed in. The US Embassy in Dar es Salaam released a statement condemning the escalating kidnappings and urging Tanzanian authorities to prioritize citizen safety. "The United States stands with the Tanzanian people in their call for justice and accountability. Every citizen has the right to live without fear of being kidnapped or harmed. We urge the government to take immediate, decisive action," the embassy's press release stated.
The question of gun control has resurfaced as part of the broader debate. Tanzania’s decision to tighten firearm regulations in recent years, which led many law-abiding citizens to relinquish their weapons, has sparked fresh controversy. Some believe that this disarmament has emboldened criminals, creating a power imbalance where the public is defenseless while criminals operate with impunity. "We disarmed, but what happened next? Now, criminals are better equipped than the rest of us," lamented a Dar es Salaam resident. "Who protects us when the government can’t?"
The government’s perceived indifference to these concerns has led to speculation about potential political motivations behind the kidnappings. Fatma Karume, known for her critical stance on the administration, suggested that these abductions might be part of a strategy to suppress dissent. "Is the government turning a blind eye because it serves their political interests? This silence is not just negligence—it may be complicity," she posited, underscoring the gravity of the accusations.
For many Tanzanians, the tragic death of Kibao has become more than just a personal loss; it symbolizes a growing crisis of governance, security, and justice. While there is no shortage of condemnation, the people now demand solutions. Restoring public confidence will require more than just words—it will demand real, tangible reforms. This includes overhauling the country’s law enforcement agencies, ensuring transparency in investigations, and holding officials accountable when they fail to protect the public.
For Tanzania to move forward, the government must face the reality of its shortcomings. The chorus of voices calling for change—from political leaders, and religious figures, to international observers—cannot be ignored any longer.
Kibao’s death has become a wake-up call for a nation that has endured too much fear and uncertainty. As Prophet Mtanganyika declared, "This is not just a time for mourning—it is a time for action, for repentance, and new leadership."
At this critical juncture, Tanzania's future hangs in the balance. Will the government finally step up and address the insecurity crisis, or will it continue to watch from the sidelines as its people cry out for justice? The answer will define not only the legacy of President Samia Suluhu Hassan but also the fate of a nation yearning for peace.