By Adonis Byemelwa
A resident of Busalala Hamlet in Nhelegani Village, Kizumbi Ward, Shinyanga Region, Wande Mbiti, 38, has been found dead inside his house with the door locked from the outside.
Mbiti, who lived with albinism, was discovered on Sunday, March 2, 2025, after neighbors reported a foul smell emanating from the house. The incident came to light at around 1 PM, prompting the village chairman, Kulwa Sheka, to contact local police.
According to Sheka, he received a phone call from residents concerned about the smell. Upon arrival, he alerted the police, who broke a window to gain entry and discovered Mbiti's lifeless body. Shortly after, the door was forced open to allow further inspection.
The Kizumbi councilor, Ruben Kitinya, described the scene as distressing, expressing the community's shock. “We found the door locked with a padlock from outside.
The condition we found our brother in was not good. We leave the investigation to the police because we cannot confirm what happened,” said Kitinya.
Yunis Manumbu, chairperson of the Albino Association in Shinyanga, condemned the incident, expressing deep sorrow over Mbiti's death.
Manumbu highlighted the persistent challenges faced by people with albinism in Tanzania, where discrimination and violence remain widespread.
The case has reignited fears surrounding the safety of individuals with albinism, who are often targeted due to superstitions that link their body parts to wealth and prosperity in some communities.
Despite recent campaigns against these harmful beliefs, the vulnerability of people with albinism remains a pressing issue.
Many still face exclusion, abandonment by their families, and a lack of access to education or employment. The tragic death of Wande Mbiti serves as another painful reminder of how isolated and marginalized this community can be, especially in rural areas where traditional beliefs are deeply rooted.
Mbiti’s father, Kulwa Mbiti, who had been estranged from his son since the early 2000s following a separation from Wande's mother, expressed his grief.
“I received a phone call telling me to come quickly. When I arrived, I found that my son had passed away. I haven't lived here since the time of President Mkapa, after parting ways with her mother. I heard she also left, leaving him to live alone,” he said.
Shinyanga District Commissioner Julius Mtatiro expressed his sadness over the incident, urging the community to foster a culture of care and inclusion for people with albinism. “This is a tragic loss. We must stand together to protect the vulnerable members of our society and end all forms of discrimination,” he said.
Police investigations, led by Acting Regional Police Commander Kennedy Mgani, found no immediate signs of foul play. The preliminary report suggests that Mbiti died of natural causes, though further investigations are ongoing. Due to the advanced state of decomposition, authorities permitted the father, in collaboration with residents, to bury the body.
The case has once again highlighted the need for stronger protection and social integration for people with albinism in Tanzania, where they continue to face both physical threats and social stigma. The community now mourns the loss of Wande Mbiti, while advocates call for renewed efforts to uphold the dignity and safety of every individual, regardless of their appearance.