JF Summary
Senior Member
- Jul 3, 2015
- 163
- 109
Opposition parties reject the Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Samia
Three leading opposition parties, CHADEMA, CUF, and ACT-Wazalendo have rejected the Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that it lacks legal, political, and moral legitimacy. The parties argue that the commission is composed of members who are largely government employees, appointees of presidents from previous administrations, and CCM members, a situation that undermines the commission's independence, integrity, and ability to conduct a free investigation.
Furthermore, these parties have stated that a government accused of killings, abductions, and human rights violations cannot form a body to investigate itself, and that the structure of the commission could hide the truth or distort the investigation's findings.
At different times, these parties have proposed the formation of an independent commission with broad national and international representation to conduct a credible investigation into the events that took place during and after the election. They insist that such an investigation requires an independent body with no conflicts of interest, and that without transparency, accountability, and justice, true peace and national reconciliation are impossible.
Public Opinion:
Many have commended the stance of these parties and supported these statements, believing that without the participation of international bodies and independent civil society organizations, the report will be "cooked" to favor CCM and the incumbent government, despite video and photographic evidence showing hundreds of civilians being killed.
Religious leaders continue to attack TEC regarding their Election reflection; open threats have been issued
Tensions among religious leaders in the country have continued to escalate following the reflection statement by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC). Some Muslim clerics have issued harsh words, accusing the council of criticizing President Samia’s government based on bias regarding her Zanzibari origin, gender, and religion. Speaking cautiously but with sharp language, some have warned that "if they spill the ugali (maize porridge), we will spill the mboga (relish/vegetables)" [a Swahili idiom implying tit-for-tat retaliation]. They claim TEC was silent when Christian Presidents led the country and committed human rights violations, citing past events and alleging TEC's silence during the assassination attempt on Tundu Lissu, the former MP for Singida East.
Meanwhile, Bishop Pius Ikonga of the 'Kanisa la Matendo Makuu ya Mungu' (Church of God's Great Works) has blamed TEC, claiming it contributed 90% to the violence of the 2025 general election, and demanded it apologize for its statement, which, in his view, has stirred new panic during this fragile period in the country.
Public Opinion:
Citizens have stated that the friction between religious leaders has crossed the line, emphasizing that worship services are not political platforms. They noted that TEC has been a voice condemning oppressive systems across all phases of government, whereas some clerics are said to be misleading people by prioritizing "peace" over justice. In their view, if justice is lacking, peace is merely a theory.
Many have expressed surprise at how religious leaders, particularly Muslims, are accusing TEC instead of presenting their own arguments regarding the killings during the election. They say TEC placed the blame on the government. Yet, those responding are BAKWATA (National Muslim Council of Tanzania), other leaders of that faith, and some Christians, acting as if they are government spokespersons or have been sent to attack TEC.
Additionally, others have said TEC has been a voice condemning oppressive systems in all phases without regard for the faith of the incumbent President, citing several examples where TEC issued statements condemning human rights violations when Presidents were Catholics. Citizens raised debates showing evidence of TEC’s 2018 Easter Letter condemning abductions, the suppression of democracy, and attacks on freedom of the press, while also condemning the attack on Tundu Lissu.
On the other hand, some have said these religious hatreds are left to continue without government rebuke because they divide citizens along religious lines, making them stop demanding accountability for the killings that occurred during the election.
CCM: Many voted before the violence; only a few areas were affected by violence, which is why we didn't get 100%
CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Kenani Kihongosi, while speaking to the media at CCM Headquarters in Dodoma, said that claims spreading that the party's victory in the October 29 election is invalid are baseless. He noted that the high number of polling stations made it easier for citizens to vote more quickly than in previous elections.
He also claimed that high citizen enthusiasm during CCM campaigns was an early indicator of victory, adding that the failure to reach 100% in the election results was due to violence in some areas.
Public Opinion:
His statement has been opposed by many citizens who witnessed the scarcity of voters at polling stations, with some areas recording no turnout. Others have said that they, or their relatives who were election supervisors in various regions, are witnesses that by the time voting closed, the turnout was less than a quarter of the total registered voters in the areas they supervised. They insisted that the 98% purportedly obtained by President Samia is entirely false.
Others have cited reports from international observers as proof that votes were "stolen," insisting that the results do not reflect the people's voice.
Police: MC Pilipili was murdered by unknown people
The Police Force in the Dodoma region has confirmed the death of artist and presenter Emmanuel Mathias Matebe (popularly known as MC Pilipili), who died on October 16 at Ilazo Health Center after being received in critical condition. According to the police statement, MC Pilipili was brought in by three unknown individuals who handed him over to his assistant before disappearing.
According to the Police, their investigation showed that the deceased died due to being attacked on various parts of his body, and the Police are continuing their investigation to arrest those responsible for the murder and take legal action against them.
Public Opinion:
Many have expressed disbelief in the Police report, questioning why, if people made phone calls, the numbers haven't been traced. Also, the car they used had registration numbers; why haven't those details been followed up to find those people and interrogate them?
Furthermore, others have expressed concern that Pilipili’s case will not be worked on, just like past abduction and murder cases, where only one incident (the attempted abduction of Tarimo) saw those responsible arrested, taken to court, and sentenced.
Others online have said there are reports claiming guards of the Prime Minister (Mwigulu Nchemba) are involved in the murder. Still, they have questioned whether the Police have the capacity to go and interrogate those guards, considering there have been allegations of leaders being involved in and supervising abduction gangs.
Those detained for 'Treason during Election' continue to languish in Prison until December 3; parents and guardians ask for their release as the President ordered
Several Tanzanians facing treason charges related to the October 29 election are still being held in remand while investigations continue. Defense lawyers say this matter has raised concerns due to the increasing number of defendants. Their cases, including those of Paulina Palangyo and her 25 colleagues, Jennifer Jovin (Niffer) and her 21 colleagues, and 38 other suspects, have been adjourned to a date between November 25 and December 3, 2025.
Some relatives and family members of the suspects have appeared at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court, asking for their relatives' release following President Samia's order, with some stating their relatives were arrested at home and committed no crime.
Public Opinion:
Many are questioning: if the President ordered others to be released, why has no one heard of anyone being released? Was it to deceive the citizens to calm the anger regarding the arrest of their children and relatives?
Others have said this situation continues to fuel hatred among citizens toward the rulers and emphasized that it has left many in pain, insisting that, if left unresolved, there will be no good ending.
President Samia appoints Tido Mhando, Bakari Machumu, and Lazaro Nyalandu to various leadership positions
President Samia has appointed Bakari Machumu as the Director of Presidential Communications at the State House, succeeding Sharifa Nyanga, who has been assigned other duties. Machumu, who is the Managing Director of BSM Washauri (TZ) Limited, also previously served as the Managing Director of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL).
Additionally, President Samia has appointed Tido Mhando as Presidential Advisor on Media and Communications, and Lazaro Samuel Nyalandu as an Ambassador.
Public Opinion:
Some have praised Machumu's appointment, while Nyalandu's is seen as a political reward (payback) for his appearances in Samia's campaigns and religious meetings, urging citizens to vote for Samia.
However, some have noted that three people who previously served as Managing Editors of Mwananchi Communications (MCL) have now been given appointments within CCM or the Government. Apart from Machumu, these editors are Francis Majige Nanai and Denis Joe Msacky.
Three leading opposition parties, CHADEMA, CUF, and ACT-Wazalendo have rejected the Commission of Inquiry appointed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, stating that it lacks legal, political, and moral legitimacy. The parties argue that the commission is composed of members who are largely government employees, appointees of presidents from previous administrations, and CCM members, a situation that undermines the commission's independence, integrity, and ability to conduct a free investigation.
Furthermore, these parties have stated that a government accused of killings, abductions, and human rights violations cannot form a body to investigate itself, and that the structure of the commission could hide the truth or distort the investigation's findings.
At different times, these parties have proposed the formation of an independent commission with broad national and international representation to conduct a credible investigation into the events that took place during and after the election. They insist that such an investigation requires an independent body with no conflicts of interest, and that without transparency, accountability, and justice, true peace and national reconciliation are impossible.
Public Opinion:
Many have commended the stance of these parties and supported these statements, believing that without the participation of international bodies and independent civil society organizations, the report will be "cooked" to favor CCM and the incumbent government, despite video and photographic evidence showing hundreds of civilians being killed.
Religious leaders continue to attack TEC regarding their Election reflection; open threats have been issued
Tensions among religious leaders in the country have continued to escalate following the reflection statement by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC). Some Muslim clerics have issued harsh words, accusing the council of criticizing President Samia’s government based on bias regarding her Zanzibari origin, gender, and religion. Speaking cautiously but with sharp language, some have warned that "if they spill the ugali (maize porridge), we will spill the mboga (relish/vegetables)" [a Swahili idiom implying tit-for-tat retaliation]. They claim TEC was silent when Christian Presidents led the country and committed human rights violations, citing past events and alleging TEC's silence during the assassination attempt on Tundu Lissu, the former MP for Singida East.
Meanwhile, Bishop Pius Ikonga of the 'Kanisa la Matendo Makuu ya Mungu' (Church of God's Great Works) has blamed TEC, claiming it contributed 90% to the violence of the 2025 general election, and demanded it apologize for its statement, which, in his view, has stirred new panic during this fragile period in the country.
Public Opinion:
Citizens have stated that the friction between religious leaders has crossed the line, emphasizing that worship services are not political platforms. They noted that TEC has been a voice condemning oppressive systems across all phases of government, whereas some clerics are said to be misleading people by prioritizing "peace" over justice. In their view, if justice is lacking, peace is merely a theory.
Many have expressed surprise at how religious leaders, particularly Muslims, are accusing TEC instead of presenting their own arguments regarding the killings during the election. They say TEC placed the blame on the government. Yet, those responding are BAKWATA (National Muslim Council of Tanzania), other leaders of that faith, and some Christians, acting as if they are government spokespersons or have been sent to attack TEC.
Additionally, others have said TEC has been a voice condemning oppressive systems in all phases without regard for the faith of the incumbent President, citing several examples where TEC issued statements condemning human rights violations when Presidents were Catholics. Citizens raised debates showing evidence of TEC’s 2018 Easter Letter condemning abductions, the suppression of democracy, and attacks on freedom of the press, while also condemning the attack on Tundu Lissu.
On the other hand, some have said these religious hatreds are left to continue without government rebuke because they divide citizens along religious lines, making them stop demanding accountability for the killings that occurred during the election.
CCM: Many voted before the violence; only a few areas were affected by violence, which is why we didn't get 100%
CCM’s Secretary for Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Kenani Kihongosi, while speaking to the media at CCM Headquarters in Dodoma, said that claims spreading that the party's victory in the October 29 election is invalid are baseless. He noted that the high number of polling stations made it easier for citizens to vote more quickly than in previous elections.
He also claimed that high citizen enthusiasm during CCM campaigns was an early indicator of victory, adding that the failure to reach 100% in the election results was due to violence in some areas.
Public Opinion:
His statement has been opposed by many citizens who witnessed the scarcity of voters at polling stations, with some areas recording no turnout. Others have said that they, or their relatives who were election supervisors in various regions, are witnesses that by the time voting closed, the turnout was less than a quarter of the total registered voters in the areas they supervised. They insisted that the 98% purportedly obtained by President Samia is entirely false.
Others have cited reports from international observers as proof that votes were "stolen," insisting that the results do not reflect the people's voice.
Police: MC Pilipili was murdered by unknown people
The Police Force in the Dodoma region has confirmed the death of artist and presenter Emmanuel Mathias Matebe (popularly known as MC Pilipili), who died on October 16 at Ilazo Health Center after being received in critical condition. According to the police statement, MC Pilipili was brought in by three unknown individuals who handed him over to his assistant before disappearing.
According to the Police, their investigation showed that the deceased died due to being attacked on various parts of his body, and the Police are continuing their investigation to arrest those responsible for the murder and take legal action against them.
Public Opinion:
Many have expressed disbelief in the Police report, questioning why, if people made phone calls, the numbers haven't been traced. Also, the car they used had registration numbers; why haven't those details been followed up to find those people and interrogate them?
Furthermore, others have expressed concern that Pilipili’s case will not be worked on, just like past abduction and murder cases, where only one incident (the attempted abduction of Tarimo) saw those responsible arrested, taken to court, and sentenced.
Others online have said there are reports claiming guards of the Prime Minister (Mwigulu Nchemba) are involved in the murder. Still, they have questioned whether the Police have the capacity to go and interrogate those guards, considering there have been allegations of leaders being involved in and supervising abduction gangs.
Those detained for 'Treason during Election' continue to languish in Prison until December 3; parents and guardians ask for their release as the President ordered
Several Tanzanians facing treason charges related to the October 29 election are still being held in remand while investigations continue. Defense lawyers say this matter has raised concerns due to the increasing number of defendants. Their cases, including those of Paulina Palangyo and her 25 colleagues, Jennifer Jovin (Niffer) and her 21 colleagues, and 38 other suspects, have been adjourned to a date between November 25 and December 3, 2025.
Some relatives and family members of the suspects have appeared at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate's Court, asking for their relatives' release following President Samia's order, with some stating their relatives were arrested at home and committed no crime.
Public Opinion:
Many are questioning: if the President ordered others to be released, why has no one heard of anyone being released? Was it to deceive the citizens to calm the anger regarding the arrest of their children and relatives?
Others have said this situation continues to fuel hatred among citizens toward the rulers and emphasized that it has left many in pain, insisting that, if left unresolved, there will be no good ending.
President Samia appoints Tido Mhando, Bakari Machumu, and Lazaro Nyalandu to various leadership positions
President Samia has appointed Bakari Machumu as the Director of Presidential Communications at the State House, succeeding Sharifa Nyanga, who has been assigned other duties. Machumu, who is the Managing Director of BSM Washauri (TZ) Limited, also previously served as the Managing Director of Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL).
Additionally, President Samia has appointed Tido Mhando as Presidential Advisor on Media and Communications, and Lazaro Samuel Nyalandu as an Ambassador.
Public Opinion:
Some have praised Machumu's appointment, while Nyalandu's is seen as a political reward (payback) for his appearances in Samia's campaigns and religious meetings, urging citizens to vote for Samia.
However, some have noted that three people who previously served as Managing Editors of Mwananchi Communications (MCL) have now been given appointments within CCM or the Government. Apart from Machumu, these editors are Francis Majige Nanai and Denis Joe Msacky.
