Kibao's abduction and death have highlighted security forces' failure to protect civilians. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The tragic death of Ally Mohamed Kibao, after being forcibly removed from a bus by unidentified men, has triggered widespread outrage and raised serious questions about the state of law enforcement in Tanzania.
His lifeless body was found in Dar es Salaam’s Ununio area, and after identification, authorities confirmed his passing. The police promptly began investigations, but the incident has fueled public frustration over the rising cases of extrajudicial actions allegedly involving law enforcement.
Kibao's abduction and subsequent death have put a harsh spotlight on the role of security forces in the protection of civilians. Yesterday, September 8, 2024, the Police Force issued a statement acknowledging the discovery of his body and confirmed that a postmortem had been conducted in collaboration with his family.
However, while the police press release promised a thorough investigation, the lack of swift arrests has raised doubts about the force's commitment to delivering justice in cases involving its personnel.
Chadema, the leading opposition party in Tanzania, has been vocal in its condemnation of the police and government authorities for their failure to safeguard Tanzanian citizens. "We cannot allow our people to live in fear, wondering whether they will be the next victims of these brutal, unlawful actions," a Chadema spokesperson said in a strongly worded statement.
The party has been at the forefront of raising awareness about alleged police brutality and abuses of power, calling for immediate reforms within the security sector.
Chadema leaders believe that Kibao's case is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of extrajudicial killings, which have been documented in various parts of the country over recent years.
They are calling for a full, independent inquiry into these cases to ensure that those responsible for such heinous crimes face the consequences.
"The Tanzanian people deserve protection, not persecution," said a party official, stressing that the public's trust in law enforcement is eroding rapidly.
Extrajudicial killings, such as Kibao's case, refer to unlawful executions or killings without the due process of law. In Tanzania, these incidents have occurred with increasing frequency, leading to widespread alarm.
The Justice Commission, under Chief Justice Othman Chande, has repeatedly called for proper investigations into these cases, underscoring the importance of adhering to the legal procedures governing arrests and detentions. As outlined by the Criminal Procedure Act, all arrests must follow strict protocols to ensure the protection of individuals' rights and prevent abuse.
Former Chadema Secretary-General Wilbrod Slaa has been one of the most vocal critics of police misconduct. He has frequently warned that the impunity surrounding these cases will only deepen the nation’s human rights crisis.
"When law enforcers turn into lawbreakers, the very foundation of justice crumbles," Slaa said during a recent interview. He emphasized that failure to bring perpetrators to justice sends a message that such actions are tolerated, further entrenching a culture of fear and violence.
Dr. Slaa has sharply criticized the police force following the tragic death of Ally Kibao, a long-time colleague. He emphasized that according to criminal procedure laws when someone is arrested by the police, they must be informed of the charges against them and should not be forced to provide a statement until they are allowed to consult with their family or legal counsel.
"The abduction and subsequent death of Kibao have cast a harsh spotlight on the role of security forces in protecting civilians," Dr. Slaa said.
"The current practice of detaining individuals and then disappearing them is criminal and reflects poorly on our police force. The murder of Ally Kibao is particularly tragic. While he may not have been widely known, Kibao was a strategic policymaker and expert researcher, and his loss is a significant blow. His extensive experience, including his time with the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF), made him a knowledgeable and valuable figure. This incident highlights a serious issue within our security system and suggests that we are heading in a dangerous direction."
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has also spoken out on this growing issue. In a recent public address, she condemned extrajudicial killings, insisting that no one in Tanzania is above the law. "We cannot allow such atrocities to continue.
Every case of unlawful killing must be fully investigated, and those responsible must face the consequences," President Samia stated. Her government has pledged to hold law enforcement accountable, but many remain skeptical, citing a lack of concrete action in previous cases.
Despite the president’s assurances, Chadema and other activists remain unconvinced. The party is pushing for more than just investigations—they want systemic changes in how law enforcement agencies operate, with greater transparency and accountability at the forefront. As Kibao’s family mourns their loss, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice in Tanzania, where the line between law enforcers and violators often seems blurred.
With tensions high, all eyes are now on the government to see if it will take the decisive actions needed to restore faith in the justice system. Chadema continues to demand that the lives of Tanzanian citizens, especially those who speak out against injustice, be protected at all costs. "Justice delayed is justice denied," the party reminded the public, urging for immediate government intervention to end the reign of fear and impunity that has taken hold in the country.