CHADEMA cadre laid to rest amid calls for investigation

TANGA: THE body of late Mohamed Ali Kibao, the opposition leader of CHADEMA, was laid to rest in Darigube Village-Tongoni Ward in Tanga Region, on Monday.

The funeral drew together thousands of mourners, including various political figures, civil society groups and the party supporters to pay their respects to the late Kibao.

The late Kibao, 69, was found dead on Sunday at the NSSF grounds in Ununio, Dar es Salaam.

His death has prompted calls from both local and international stakeholders for an immediate and thorough investigation.

The United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam has issued a statement backing calls for an independent and transparent investigation.

The statement condemned the killings and disappearance of innocent civilians, stating that such actions “have no place in democracy” and violate rights protected by the Tanzanian Constitution.

Chairperson of the Tanzania Editors’ Forum (TEF), Deodatus Balile has called on the government to establish a Commission of Judges to investigate the rising number of abductions and murders across the country.

“These cases began with individuals, extended to children and now people are being abducted from passenger vehicles and killed,” Balile observed.

Executive Director of the Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC), Dr Anna Henga, echoed the call for a thorough and urgent investigation to bring those responsible to justice.

“This investigation must be transparent to clear up confusion and restore public trust in law enforcement and the judiciary,” Dr Henga said.

She also urged the police to address any institutional weaknesses that allow criminal activities to persist, especially to prevent unauthorised individuals from posing as security personnel.

CHADEMA’s national Chairman, Freeman Mbowe, delivered an emotional eulogy, describing the late Kibao as a “true patriot, who gave his life to the struggle for democracy.”

He called for calm among supporters but emphasised the need for a detailed investigation.

“We are deeply saddened by the loss of our brother, but we will not rest until the truth is revealed. We demand transparency and accountability,” Mr Mbowe said.

ALSO READ: Dr Chuwa: 4Rs philosophy drives PSSN II success

On Monday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences over Kibao’s murder and called for a thorough investigation.

“I am deeply saddened by the news of Mr Mohamed Ali Kibao’s murder. My heartfelt condolences go out to the party’s leadership, his grieving family and friends,” she said.

President Samia reaffirmed Tanzania’s commitment to democracy, stressing that her government would not tolerate acts of cruelty. “I have instructed the investigative authorities to provide me with a detailed report on this serious incident and any similar cases. The government I lead will not condone or tolerate such acts of brutality,” she stated in a brief message on her X handle.