For an entire year, the people of Mwibara Constituency had been missing a familiar face in key regional meetings.
Their elected Member of Parliament, Charles Kajege, had been noticeably absent from important development discussions in Mara Region.
This prolonged absence finally caught the attention of Mara Regional Commissioner, Colonel Evans Mtambi, who decided enough was enough.
Speaking at a meeting of the Mara Regional Roads Board held in Musoma, Colonel Mtambi did not mince words.
His frustration was evident as he openly questioned the MP’s whereabouts, emphasizing that while other legislators had shown up numerous times to discuss development matters, Kajege was nowhere to be found.
“Honorable Kajege, I have no idea which region he is in. A whole year has passed! Other MPs have been here over ten times, pushing for the needs of their constituents.
We discuss, plan, and act. But for a whole year, this one is absent! Eeh! Or is he unwell?” the commissioner wondered aloud.
He then issued a directive to the Regional Administrative Secretary (RAS), Gerald Kusaya, to investigate the MP’s absence and determine if any legitimate reasons existed for his prolonged nonattendance.
Colonel Mtambi hinted at exploring alternative measures to ensure that the people of Mwibara had proper representation in crucial forums.
“RAS, please look into this. Find out if the honorable MP has any issues preventing his participation. If necessary, let’s examine whether regulations allow for a different form of representation during these vital discussions. The people need a voice who is speaking for them in his absence?” he asked.
Beyond his instructions to the regional administration, the commissioner turned to the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), urging them to assist in locating Kajege and ensuring that MPs fulfill their representative duties.
“Party Chairman, we need your help with this. I must stress once again that an MP’s primary responsibility is to represent their people in these decision-making meetings.
Others have been here, advocating for their constituents, but this one [Kajege] has been absent for an entire year,” Mtambi emphasized.
As if the pressure had reached him, the very next day, on Wednesday, Kajege resurfaced, attending the Regional Consultative Committee (RCC) meeting in Musoma. It was his opportunity to explain himself, and he took it.
“I assure you, Regional Commissioner, and all the members present, I have not been avoiding meetings. I was in my constituency dealing with a cholera outbreak,” he explained.
His statement sought to counter the assumption that he had been negligent. Instead, he painted a picture of a leader on the ground, actively responding to a health crisis affecting his people.
“I will continue to cooperate fully with the Regional Commissioner in serving our citizens. I have no objections or resistance whatsoever,” he added.
While his explanation may have provided some clarity, it also sparked broader conversations about the accountability of elected officials.
How should MPs balance fieldwork with their legislative and policymaking responsibilities? While crisis management is undeniably essential, so is participation in forums where crucial regional decisions are made.
This incident has placed a spotlight on the larger issue of absenteeism among elected officials. If an MP is consistently missing from decision-making tables, does that mean their constituency is being left behind in critical discussions? Are existing policies strong enough to ensure that leaders remain accountable for their duties?
Colonel Mtambi’s strong stance highlights a growing demand for public representatives to be more present and proactive.
“Development does not happen in isolation—leaders must engage in structured discussions to ensure proper allocation of resources and the implementation of policies that benefit the people,” he said.
However, Kajege’s explanation introduces another side to the conversation. Many MPs argue that while attending meetings is important, being physically present in the constituency to address pressing issues is just as critical.
In his case, tackling a cholera outbreak may have taken precedence over sitting in a meeting. But where should the balance lie?