Dar es Salaam. Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania over the weekend.
Monday Is Here: Will Makonda stay true to his word by naming ministers who allegedly pay people to insult the president?
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.”
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Funeral held for eight students from Ghati Memorial School as floods death toll reaches 58 nationwide
Arusha residents took a moment to bid farewell to eight students who tragically lost their lives in an accident on April 12, 2024. The incident occurred when the Ghati Memorial school bus driver attempted to cross a flooded ditch at the Dampo area in Muriet ward, resulting in a devastating outcome.
The public funeral procession for the victims was held at Sinoni Secondary School on April 14, 2024. The names of the deceased students are Abigael P Shayo (10), Abi Albon P. Shayo (4), Winfrida E Reuben (4), Noela J Kivuyo (3), Daylan J Kibir (3), Shedrack William (8), Morgan E Mushi (3), and Altricia E. Mushi (8).
Brian Tarangie (34), who lost his life while attempting to rescue the students, was also posthumously honored as a national hero by the government. The government provided financial support of Sh. 5,000,000/= to his family in recognition of his bravery and sacrifice.
The accident occurred after the driver disregarded warnings from multiple sources about the heavy rain and flooding in the area. Attempting to navigate the bridge over the flooded ditch, the driver lost control of the vehicle, leading to the tragic outcome.
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Kawetele landslide claims over twenty homes in Mbeya
Residents of Itezi Ward in Mbeya were left dismayed by a mudslide from Kawetele Mountain, which destroyed more than twenty houses and buried four cattle and three dogs.
Among the affected properties is Generational Primary School, which hosts around 200 students; most of its buildings were damaged. The incident occurred around 6:00 PM on April 14, 2024, with residents near the mountain hearing a loud noise, prompting them to quickly evacuate their homes.
“I was heading to my farm around six in the morning when I heard a very loud noise as if a truck had fallen. That’s when I saw the mudflow coming down,” said Manege Kanjota, one of the witnesses of the incident.
While the government is yet to release its technical report on the incident, aerial footage shows a small section of Kawetele Mountain had broken off following persistent rains in Mbeya. Despite damage to properties, no deaths or injuries were reported.
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