The eyes and ears of Tanzania’s political observers are following the day closely to see if Arusha Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda will reveal the names of ministers allegedly paying individuals to insult President Samia Suluhu Hassan as he promised.
Makonda, who identifies himself as the ‘favourite son of President Samia,’ issued the ‘ultimatum’ on April 12, 2024, during an event commemorating the late former Prime Minister Edward Moring Sokoine.
Addressing a specific group of ministers he referred to as ‘brothers,’ Makonda cautioned those purportedly orchestrating attacks against the Head of State.
“You have entrusted some of us with positions within your leadership,” Makonda told President Samia, who was the guest of honour at the occasion. “And I take this opportunity to address my brothers, specifically those who pay people to provoke my mother. You know me well. I repeat, especially my brothers who send people and pay them to provoke my mother, Samia, you know me, and I know you.”
“Honorable President, I know their names,” Makonda continued. “And today, on April 12, I want it to be the last time they send those people to insult you on social media. By Monday [April 15, 2024], if the situation continues on Monday, we will reveal their names. Some are ministers and others are empowered by people we respect. I ask that it be the end, let us allow Dr Samia to do the work given to her by God.”
While it’s not the first time Makonda has accused and listed people for various crimes, and in most cases, these accusations are for political mileage, this time is different as it’s directed at the cabinet, which, by the constitution, forms the government.
Many have speculated that Makonda’s statement targets the influential U.S.-based activist Mange Kimambi, who is known for using harsh and sometimes abusive language in her activism.
READ MORE: Makonda Unhappy With Accusations He Participated in Assassination Attempts Against Lissu
Mange, who also owns a popular gossiping App, MangeKimambi App, has responded by declaring to cut ties with some of her friends who have political connections, such as Mwamvita Makamba, the sister of the Minister for Foreign Affairs January Makamba, as well as other close friends and her staff of Mange Kimambi App.
Throughout the weekend, she has doubled down on her attacks, which are mixed with derogatory and extremely strong language.
Mange who has been on and off on her criticism of the recent government has re-emerged following the appointment of Makonda, who she considers one of the most dangerous individuals to the country’s democratic progress.
Some officials from the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), popular artists, social media influencers and even cabinet ministers, such as Finance Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, have come out this weekend to denounce Mange’s activities online and offer support to President Samia.
One Response
Have the GGIS alongside TCRA failed to nab Mange and set the air free! Makonda has no powers and audacity to open this dirty linen in the agora. He is politicking. The pandora’s box will remain shut akin to Joseph Bishop Gwajima’s vow to resurrect Amina Chifupa. Nothing came fruitful henceforth, the move which made many of his followers leave his church. If Makonda had a church, he could fall into Gwajima’s trajectory. Political mileage is what this man wants from the President, but his tactics ara rather mundane and detrimental to the survival of CCM. Mange does not need paychecks to insult. She did so during Magufuli but surprisingly mama dined with her in the US. The very same piper has been blown before the very good friend she embraced in the US. Mange hardly showed stance when the DP World scandal was on eeehe move…will Makonda go the Gwajima way and buy us a private train, exhume chifupa alive? Let us wait and see.