Arusha. Ruling party cadres of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) have intensified their criticism of activists and social media influencers calling for nationwide protests on October 29, 2025 the country’s election day, urging young people to ignore the campaign and instead safeguard peace and stability.
The online protest campaign, spearheaded by Tanzanian social media personality on Instagram Mange Kimambi and supported by other activists, has gained traction on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Proponents argue that demonstrations are necessary due to what they describe as shortcomings in the state of democracy and the electoral system.
Speaking at a CCM presidential campaign rally in Arusha on October 2, 2025, the party’s Ideology, Publicity, and Training Secretary, Kenani Kihongosi, warned young people against being swayed by calls to unrest.
“We must never allow anyone to lure the youth of this nation into violence on our soil,” Kihongosi said. “Those who incite chaos have places to run to — their families are abroad, their children study abroad. If they destroy things here, they simply escape there.”
Godson Mollel, another CCM cadre and chairperson of the Tanzania Albino Society, echoed the warning, stressing that vulnerable groups would suffer most in the event of violence.
“For people with disabilities, how would we even manage in a protest? I can’t run; how do I escape if chaos breaks out?” Mollel said. “We must reject such incitement. Let’s instead pray for those encouraging demonstrations without considering the elderly and others who cannot flee in times of trouble.”
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Mollel urged Tanzanians to focus on the future of CCM and the nation, arguing that without the ruling party, “Tanzania would be ungovernable.”
Nape Nnauye, a member of CCM’s National Executive Committee(NEC) accompanied in CCM presidential campaigns in northern regions, defended the party’s record, pointing to reforms introduced under President Samia Suluhu Hassan over the past four years. He cited electoral law changes and reconciliation initiatives as evidence of her commitment to strengthening democracy.
“Those who sought shortcuts to democracy in their countries today regret it,” Nnauye said. “Tanzania has no reason to follow that path. Our candidate believes in democracy, and I call on all democracy lovers to turn out and vote for her on October 29.”
The push for protests, largely fueled by Generation Z content creators, has sparked heated exchanges between activists and CCM leaders over the past month. Party leaders have repeatedly assured citizens of their safety during the polls while condemning demonstrations as a threat to peace.
On September 28, 2028 in the Kilimanjaro region, CCM Vice Chairperson for Mainland Tanzania, Stephen Wasira, also dismissed the protest calls.
“You complain about protests. Will you eat protests?” Wasira asked. “There are peaceful ways to raise grievances without resorting to unrest.”
The escalating standoff between protest organizers and CCM loyalists has raised questions about its potential impact on voter turnout in the October election.
