By Adoni Byemelwa
Political unrest continues to shake Arusha, as local officials and elected leaders face increasing scrutiny. In a bold critique, a prominent member of the opposition party, Chadema, recently expressed concerns about the competence of a local Member of Parliament (MP).
In a Facebook post, Malisa Godlisten, a well-known social media analyst (pictured), addressed the MP’s alarming lack of awareness regarding his duties.
According to Godlisten, the MP is unaware that he is a member of vital regional committees such as the Regional Development Committee (RCC) and the Regional Road Board, which are essential for planning and implementing development projects in the region.
Godlisten, who has been an outspoken critic of government inefficiencies, also took issue with the MP’s dismissive attitude towards local government officers.
In his post, Godlisten wrote, “The MP doesn’t seem to understand that leaders at the district and village level play a pivotal role in driving progress. His arrogance is a huge disservice to the people he represents.”
The truth is, many of those he belittles have far more experience in governance than he does, and they might one day hold even higher offices.” His remarks were a direct challenge to the MP’s attitude, urging him to “respect all levels of leadership and put the people’s interests first.” Godlisten’s commentary emphasized the need for leaders to show humility, acknowledging the diverse expertise of local officials.
The criticism extended to the MP’s failure to attend key planning meetings, such as those related to the Road Fund, which plays a critical role in the development of regional infrastructure. “By avoiding these meetings, the MP is simply seeking cheap popularity rather than actively contributing to the development of his constituency,” Godlisten noted.
He pointed out that if the MP were involved in these important discussions, he would have a clearer understanding of how government funds are allocated and could advocate more effectively for his region. In Godlisten’s view, the MP’s behavior not only undermines his leadership but also deprives the people of much-needed representation.
Further, the Chadema cadre argued that the MP’s public statements about his exclusive role in parliamentary meetings reflect a misunderstanding of the political hierarchy. "In the RCC and local council meetings, the RC holds authority.
The MP is just one voice among many. The MP must learn to respect this authority," Godlisten wrote. He criticized the MP for “seeking the glory that he has not earned” and urged him to focus on collaboration rather than personal gain. The message was clear: leadership in Tanzanian politics requires cooperation across various levels of government, not self-centered fame.
These tensions mirror previous high-profile political conflicts, particularly between Paul Makonda, the controversial Regional Commissioner of Dar es Salaam, and opposition MP Godbless Lema.
Makonda, in past clashes with Lema, has criticized the role of MPs in regional development, arguing that the regional authority plays a larger part in driving progress. Makonda’s statements in public forums have been highly critical of opposition leaders, accusing them of being ineffective and disconnected from the realities of regional governance.
In a recent incident, Paul Makonda found himself at the center of another public altercation, this time with social media personality Gambo. According to reports and eyewitnesses, Makonda launched a harsh verbal attack on Gambo, who had been vocal about regional issues.
The exchange quickly went viral, with many social media users condemning Makonda for his aggressive behavior. Gambo, known for his outspoken views on Tanzanian politics, defended himself against Makonda’s accusations, but the confrontation highlighted the growing animosity between regional authorities and critics.
Many commentators have weighed in on the incident, with some arguing that Makonda’s actions are damaging the credibility of his office.
“How Makonda engages with critics is unbecoming of a public servant,” one political analyst wrote on social media. “Such behavior not only undermines his leadership but also sets a poor example for the younger generation.” The attack on Gambo has sparked a broader debate about the respect for differing opinions and the role of public officials in handling dissent.
This latest controversy has further fueled concerns about the state of political leadership in Tanzania, with critics urging for greater accountability and a focus on the real issues facing the people. As the country navigates these internal struggles, many hope that leaders will prioritize the well-being of the citizens over personal power plays. Only time will tell if Tanzanian politics can move past these divisions and find a way forward that benefits all.
