Supporters view Makonda as a fearless advocate for progress, undeterred by internal party politics. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Arusha A viral dramatic turn of events unfolded as the Regional Commissioner of Arusha, Paul Makonda, openly criticized Arusha Urban MP Mrisho Gambo (CCM) for allegedly neglecting development meetings while waiting for national leaders to visit so he could air grievances.
The confrontation occurred on January 6, 2025, during a site visit by the Minister of Works, Abdallah Ulega, in Ilboru. The minister was inspecting the Sh23 billion Mianzini-Olemringaringa-Sambasha-Tumbolo road project, spanning 18 kilometers.
Makonda accused Gambo of avoiding critical discussions during official meetings, instead ambushing visiting leaders with unresolved issues that had already been addressed behind closed doors.
“Leaders must participate in formal forums rather than seeking public sympathy by creating unnecessary drama in public spaces,” Makonda stated, drawing cheers from the assembled crowd.
Gambo, on his part, had earlier praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government for its commitment to infrastructure projects.
He highlighted ongoing works by Tarura and Tanroads, calling for streetlights along completed roads and requesting an extension of key routes, including the Kiserian-Mushono bypass, to mitigate traffic in preparation for the 2027 Afcon games.
Yet, Makonda sharply dismissed these remarks, pointing out that such issues had already been discussed during a meeting held earlier that same day.
“Gambo, you consistently avoid attending meetings yet want to raise these matters in public to appear as a champion of the people. That is sheer indiscipline,” Makonda said emphatically.
He further accused the MP of seeking public popularity rather than contributing constructively to solutions.
The exchange has intensified scrutiny of Gambo’s political standing within CCM and Arusha at large. Local political analysts, including Shaban Michael from Mbauda and Ezekiel Kweka from Arumeru District, suggest Gambo’s reputation has dwindled due to his tendency to criticize the government publicly, particularly in parliament.
His outspoken stance on sensitive issues, such as the retirees’ pension formula has alienated him from the CCM caucus. “Gambo’s boldness, once backed by the late President John Magufuli, now seems to have left him politically orphaned,” observed Kweka.
Makonda’s resolute leadership has earned him admiration for his no-nonsense approach. His critics argue that his recent remarks against Gambo are politically motivated, with speculations swirling that Makonda may be eyeing the Arusha Urban parliamentary seat in the 2025 elections.
Nevertheless, supporters view Makonda as a fearless advocate for progress, undeterred by internal party politics.
Adding to Gambo’s controversies, analysts recalled past allegations involving his alleged sabotage of former Regional Commissioner Felix Ntibenda.
During President Magufuli’s tenure, Felix Ntibenda found himself at the center of a firestorm—both literal and political.
Accusations swirled around his alleged mismanagement of secondary school projects in Arusha, marked by a troubling wave of mysterious infernos. Over just two months, more than five schools were reduced to ashes under questionable circumstances, sending shockwaves through the region.
The fires, shrouded in mystery, left a trail of destruction that many believed signaled gross negligence or something more sinister.
Ntibenda’s inability to contain the crisis or provide clear answers painted him as a weak link in the chain of leadership. The heat of public outrage and internal scrutiny ultimately led to his political erasure, with his dismissal serving as both a condemnation and a cautionary tale.
Once a prominent figure, Ntibenda vanished from the political stage, leaving behind questions about the true causes of the infernos and the forces that orchestrated his fall.
A leaked audio clip, circulated by then-Arumeru MP Joshua Nassari (now a district commissioner in Magu), further implicated Gambo in underhanded tactics.
In the clip, an unidentified voice purportedly orchestrates the removal of Ntibenda by framing him as weak in handling crises such as school fires.
“Gambo’s history of political maneuvering is catching up with him,” noted Fatuma Nziku, a political commentator in Arusha.
Others argue that Gambo’s downfall stems from a lack of grassroots support, with many viewing him as disconnected from both his constituents and the ruling party’s inner circle.
As tensions simmer, Minister Ulega has pledged swift action on Arusha’s road infrastructure, promising to include critical projects in the upcoming budget.
Finance Minister Dr. Mwigulu Nchemba echoed these sentiments, assuring expedited funding for strategic developments. Yet, the brewing rivalry between Makonda and Gambo remains a focal point, with political observers speculating on how this feud might shape the region’s political landscape.
Makonda, unfazed, called for unity among leaders to ensure Arusha’s growth. “We cannot allow individual ambitions to derail collective progress. Let’s respect the platforms meant for meaningful engagement and work together for the people,” he concluded, earning widespread applause.
The unfolding drama not only underlines the growing divide within CCM’s Arusha leadership but also raises questions about Gambo’s future amid mounting challenges.
Whether Makonda’s bold approach will secure him a larger political role remains to be seen, but for now, the Regional Commissioner stands firm as a staunch and fearless leader.
