CCM Secretary General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
In a tense atmosphere amid rising concerns over kidnappings and murders across the country, CCM Secretary General Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi on 13th September 2024, took the stage to address the growing fear and outrage. Speaking with calm authority, he condemned the unsettling events and called on investigative bodies to act swiftly, ensuring all involved were held accountable. His words, delivered with careful thought and strategic intelligence, struck a chord as the nation watched anxiously.
Dr. Nchimbi, known for his measured responses, spared no words in addressing the ongoing crisis, reiterating that Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) strongly denounces these heinous acts. He urged law enforcement to pursue justice relentlessly, affirming that no one is above the law. “Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice without delay,” Nchimbi emphasized.
Amid rumors and accusations swirling around political figures, Dr. Nchimbi offered a surprising defense of Chadema leaders, particularly its chairman Freeman Mbowe and Secretary General John Mnyika, distancing them from any connection to the crimes.
Also read: Nchimbi defends Chadema leaders amid Crisis, but rising tensions demand immediate action
“I’ve known Mbowe and Mnyika for a long time. I don’t see them involved in any way with what’s happening,” he said. “I recently spoke with Mbowe about the death of Mzee Kibao. As a trained psychologist, I looked him in the eye, and I can tell you – he’s telling the truth. He has no involvement.”
Nchimbi recalled an emotional moment with Mbowe, who had reached out to him when the tragic news broke. "Mbowe, whom I consider a friend, called me shortly after the news of Mzee Kibao's murder. I didn’t pick up his call, but I later sent him a message apologizing. I was deeply shocked and saddened by the news,” he recounted.
The Secretary-General also aimed at reckless statements made in the media. He cited an unnamed journalist who recently accused Mnyika of involvement in the murders simply because he was one of the first to report the incident. “It’s absurd! Does that mean we should not share news when something happens?” Nchimbi asked, his frustration evident.
Turning his attention to internal matters within CCM, Dr. Nchimbi did not hold back from criticizing the party’s youth wing, UVCCM. He expressed disappointment with some of the careless and reckless comments made by certain members. “Since I became Secretary General, I’ve made it clear – I do not tolerate stupidity. These senseless statements must stop,” he said firmly.
Aligning his stance with that of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Nchimbi reiterated CCM’s support for a swift investigation into the murders. “We fully support the President’s call for a thorough investigation, and those responsible must face the consequences,” he stated, drawing a line against criminal elements threatening the country’s stability.
“These criminal gangs are tarnishing the image of our country, and they will not be tolerated. We know bad actors exist everywhere – they could be in CCM, Chadema, or even within the police force. The key is identifying them and dealing with them accordingly. It is unfair to blame an entire group for the actions of a few.”
Dr. Nchimbi stressed that unity across party lines is crucial in addressing the crisis. He referenced how the entire U.S. political system condemned the shooting of presidential candidate Donald Trump, calling for a similar approach in Tanzania. “We must come together as one nation to condemn these acts of violence. We can’t allow a small group to destroy the peace and security of our country,” he added.
Also read: CCM's John Mongella kicks off Shinyanga tour to bolster party support ahead of key elections
However, not everyone was convinced by Nchimbi’s words. Chadema Vice Chairman Tundu Lissu, known for his no-nonsense approach, dismissed Nchimbi’s statements as empty rhetoric. “We are waiting for actions, not just words,” Lissu declared bluntly. His sharp critique underscored the growing dissatisfaction with CCM's handling of the crisis.
When asked about Dr. Nchimbi’s comments, Lissu didn’t mince words. “CCM controls the government, and President Samia Suluhu Hassan is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. She has the power to control this situation,” Lissu asserted. He accused the country’s security apparatus of being complicit in the atrocities and criticized CCM for failing to hold its leaders accountable.
“For all these reasons, words alone aren’t enough. Dr. Nchimbi’s speech is empty; it’s unacceptable,” Lissu said in a scathing response. He demanded concrete actions, calling for senior security officials to be removed from their positions. “We need real actions, not just speeches. The heads of the security agencies must be held accountable and removed from office.”
Lissu didn’t stop there. He urged the CCM-led government to allow an international investigation into the kidnappings and murders, recalling past instances where external agencies were called upon.
“Just as the government allowed the FBI to investigate acts of terrorism against religious leaders in Zanzibar over a decade ago, and permitted Scotland Yard to probe the burning of the Bank of Tanzania building almost 40 years ago, it must do the same now,” he urged.
He went on to demand sweeping reforms of the country’s security forces, insisting on structural changes that would ensure professionalism, discipline, and accountability. “CCM must allow for major reforms in the structure, roles, and operations of the security agencies to build capacity, discipline, and responsibility,” Lissu insisted.
In a final pointed demand, Lissu called for the revival of the stalled constitutional reform process, which he argued would strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights and enhance accountability. “We need a New Constitution that will safeguard the rights of the people, improve accountability, and build a stronger foundation for democracy. Enough with empty words,” Lissu concluded powerfully.
Dr. Nchimbi's statement, while carefully crafted and seemingly sincere, implies a deeper tension within the political landscape of Tanzania. His words suggest that despite his confidence in the innocence of Chadema leaders, the underlying issues of distrust and blame between political factions remain unresolved.
By asserting that rogue elements could exist within any party, including CCM, Nchimbi appears to distance the ruling party from direct responsibility while acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
However, for many Tanzanians, particularly the opposition, such assurances may not be enough. As the issue of abductions and killings grips the nation, there's a sense that people are growing weary of verbal condemnations without meaningful action. The country is at a crossroads, and Nchimbi’s rhetoric might not be enough to quell the rising demand for accountability.
The situation calls for decisive steps that go beyond words; otherwise, the growing public frustration could further erode trust in the government. Dr. Nchimbi's remarks, in this context, serve as a signal that the ruling party is feeling the pressure, yet the question remains whether they will act with the urgency and transparency the public demands.