JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Makame: The events of October 29 involved armed individuals who killed their own and invaded Police stations
East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) MP, Dr. Abdallah Makame, who is a cadre of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has stated that while he does not know the exact source of the October 29 events, there were armed individuals who killed their own associates. He added that these people were walking with backpacks full of petrol bombs used to burn vehicles, in addition to invading Police stations.Speaking on January 4, 2026, during the Medani za Siasa program, Makame said some burnt vehicles remain unremoved, noting that this information comes from eyewitness accounts of the events.
In his explanation, Makame touched on the debate over Constitutional change, noting that some want the Constitution changed without specific arguments for what should be changed, a situation he described as a problem in the national debate process. When asked what he would personally like to see changed in the current Constitution, he said he would offer his opinions within the party.
Furthermore, he stated that he sees no importance in challenging Presidential election results in court in Tanzania, despite some member states of the East African Community (EAC) doing so, emphasizing that he is not ashamed to state this position. Regarding Presidential powers, Makame said he is ready for any decision by citizens or stakeholders, whether it is determined that the powers should remain as they are, be reduced, or be increased. He added that justice and peace are inseparable twins, dependent on each other, but peace comes first.
Makame emphasized that Tanzania is a democratic country that constitutionally follows a multi-party system, so no one should claim that there was no election in the country.
Regarding reconciliation, he said it is not directly related to the events of October 29 but is among the issues addressed in its broader process. Likewise, he explained that the nation has its own procedures for handling deaths when they occur, including offering condolences to the bereaved and injured and forming special commissions where necessary, as was done with the formation of the Commission of Inquiry into the October 29 events, insisting that it is wrong to rush into assigning blame.
Citizens' Views:
Many citizens have expressed disgust at Makame's statements, which they feel show a disregard for the pain of many Tanzanians who lost their loved ones. Some have demanded he explain how he knew the people present on October 29 were armed, asking him to assist security organs by providing complete information or to be interrogated so the truth of the event becomes clear.
Other opinions have directed blame at the leadership and security organs, saying they failed to protect civilians, a situation that contributed to the October 29 events.
Some have said the presence of weak leaders has caused the country to face security challenges, while others wonder if it is right to wait for the Commission of Inquiry's answers when there are already claims of armed people killing civilians and police. Some citizens have expressed a lack of faith in the Commission, claiming that top leaders already know the outcome, while calling for a reduction in Presidential powers and the removal of immunity from prosecution to strengthen accountability and democracy in the country.
Mwigulu: What was planned was a delay of the election so we would enter into war; no Constitution can be obtained in 6 months
Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba has accused opposition parties (specifically CHADEMA) of a strategy to plunge the country into chaos by using the demand for Constitutional change to delay the past General Election.Speaking recently to citizens in Bunju, Kinondoni District in the Dar es Salaam region during a tour to inspect the construction of a market and bus station, Mwigulu claimed that the opposition had a plan to push the election forward so that the Government's constitutional term would expire, which would provide an opportunity to call for demonstrations to remove the Government from power.
He clarified that the Constitution cannot be changed by political party agreements alone, but requires the votes of all Tanzanians.
Addressing the competition in that election, Mwigulu compared the situation to sports, emphasizing that those who decided not to participate of their own volition should not complain about the magnitude of the victory of those who were on the field. He used this example to show that citizen participation is essential and that election results should be respected based on the number of voters.
Citizens' Views:
Some citizens were surprised by Mwigulu, wondering if he truly understands the meaning of war. The claim that opposition parties, specifically CHADEMA, planned to delay the past General Election under the pretext of Constitutional change has been seen as an attempt to intimidate and instill unnecessary fear among citizens.
Other citizens said the statement raises many questions about the legitimacy of linking valid policy arguments with the risk of chaos or war in the country. They warned that such claims should be made with caution, as the country's politics should be conducted transparently and on the basis of arguments, not by issuing threats or inciting violence.
Azim Dewji: They want to cause violence, then they claim there is no justice in Tanzania
Prominent businessman Azim Dewji has cautioned Tanzanians to be wary of indicators of violence that could allow foreign nations to loot the country's resources.Dewji stated that some people may use claims of injustice to incite chaos and violence, which could break the peace and put Tanzanians at risk of interference in the country's internal affairs.
He cited recent events outside Africa, such as the crisis in Venezuela, and warned that powerful nations can exploit political problems to gain strategic advantages or resources.
Speaking on the use of Tanzania's resources, Dewji said that the country's natural resources are valuable assets that can attract powerful nations, and that national unity and internal stability are the most critical shields to protect national interests against foreign influence. He said that money obtained from these resources has been used to build roads, provide water services, and improve the quality of health and education in the country.
Citizens' Views:
Many citizens were disgusted by his remarks, saying they appeared intended to intimidate and suppress their right to question and demand accountability. They claimed the statement misrepresents the legitimate arguments of citizens who want transparency and changes that affect their daily lives.
Additionally, others said he spoke this way because he is not a 'true Tanzanian', and therefore feels no pain for the suffering Tanzanians are going through.
