By Adonis Byemelwa
Pastor Dr. Godfrey Malisa, a vocal CCM cadre, has once again stepped into the public eye, claiming that his life is under threat following his controversial expulsion from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Declaring that this is the true price of democracy, Malisa maintains that he remains a rightful party member, as due process was not followed in his dismissal.
His expulsion, announced by Kilimanjaro Regional CCM Secretary Merce Mollel on February 10, 2025, has ignited serious concerns about the state of internal democracy within CCM.
His "offense"? Challenging the party’s move to endorse President Samia Suluhu Hassan and Dr. Hussein Mwinyi as the sole presidential candidates without open competition—a decision he argues is unconstitutional and a blatant violation of Article 21 of Tanzania’s constitution, which upholds every citizen’s right to seek elective office.
Speaking on a YouTube interview on February 11, Malisa dismissed his expulsion as illegitimate, stating, "I do not recognize my removal because it was done in violation of the party’s constitution. I am still a member of CCM. The procedures were not followed, and I have yet to receive an official letter confirming my dismissal."
He went further to accuse the party of sidelining democratic processes, citing articles 102 and 104 of the CCM constitution.
"The endorsement of President Samia Suluhu was never on the agenda of the Central Committee. It was smuggled in for the benefit of a select few. Even past presidents like Jakaya Kikwete and Benjamin Mkapa had to formally submit forms and seek endorsements from the people nationwide. Why was Samia handed the nomination without due process? This was a well-orchestrated plot," Malisa questioned.
His stance has drawn mixed reactions from CCM loyalists across the country. Some members of Shinyanga Municipality and Arusha Region have expressed silent support for his bold stance, though fear of repercussions keeps them from speaking out.
"What Malisa is saying is true, but who dares challenge the party’s elite? We saw what happened to Bernard Membe when he raised concerns," said a CCM member from Arusha on condition of anonymity.
Dr. Malisa remains resolute in his demand for transparency, calling for the nomination process to be annulled and restarted to allow for genuine democratic participation. "I know many within CCM agree with me but cannot speak up. History will judge me for standing up for democracy," he remarked.
Despite facing potential legal battles and personal threats, Malisa insists he will not be silenced. "Criticizing the party’s leadership is not new. Even Mwalimu Nyerere did it when he saw injustices within CCM. He wrote the book ‘Tujisahihishe’ to call for reforms—was he labeled a traitor? Why should I be treated differently?"
Dr. Malisa further invoked Nyerere’s opposition to the Zanzibar government's decision to join the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in 1995, emphasizing how the founding father of the nation stood firm against what he saw as an unconstitutional move.
"Mwalimu spoke out when Zanzibar sought to join the OIC, arguing that it was against our secular foundation as a nation. He was not called a traitor because he had the right to speak the truth. He understood that democracy thrives on debate, not suppression."
Referring to Article 18 of Tanzania’s constitution, which guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of speech, Malisa insisted that he was exercising the very right that Nyerere defended. "If Nyerere, the architect of our nation, could challenge the government without fear, why should I be persecuted for standing up for our democratic values? Are we now in an era where truth is treason?"
Dr. Malisa has vowed to take legal action against those responsible for his expulsion, accusing them of defamation and violating party procedures. "I will challenge this injustice in court. Meanwhile, I am deeply concerned for my safety, but I will not retreat. Democracy must be defended, even at great personal risk."
As CCM prepares for the upcoming elections, Malisa’s defiance raises questions about the party’s commitment to democratic principles. Will CCM tolerate dissent within its ranks, or is Malisa’s case a warning to others who dare challenge the status quo?