Dodoma. Deogratius Ndejembi, 43, has been sworn in as Tanzania’s new Vice President, succeeding Emmanuel Nchimbi, in a ceremony presided over by Chief Justice George Mchechu Masaji at State House in Chamwino, Dodoma, on Saturday, August 29, 2026.
The ceremony, witnessed by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, marked the latest development in a rapid political transition that began with Nchimbi’s resignation from the vice presidency and was followed by his expulsion from the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM).
Ndejembi’s swearing-in came a day after Parliament approved his appointment on Friday, August 28, following a government motion presented after the Speaker received his nomination for the position.
The appointment followed Nchimbi’s resignation on August 25. Nchimbi, who had served as Vice President and was President Samia’s running mate in the general election, submitted his resignation in a letter that was made public through his Instagram account, which had been dormant since 2023.
A day later, on August 26, CCM announced Nchimbi’s expulsion from the party following decisions by its top organs, including the Central Committee and the National Executive Council (NEC), chaired by President Samia.
CCM Secretary-General Dr Asha Rose Migiro said at the time that the decision was linked to disciplinary and ethical violations, but did not publicly provide further details.
Samia urges Ndejembi to learn and deliver
Speaking shortly after Ndejembi took the oath of office, President Samia said the new Vice President’s age and relative youth should be accompanied by a strong commitment to learning and adapting to the demands of the office.
She said there was no school that specifically trained people to become vice presidents, arguing that qualities such as hard work, discipline, professionalism and a willingness to learn were essential to succeeding in the position.
“There is no school that teaches you how to be a vice president. But your hard work, discipline, professionalism and willingness to learn, follow up and supervise the implementation of various activities will help you fulfil your responsibilities,” President Samia said.
She urged Ndejembi to remain focused on learning the responsibilities of the office and ensuring that government programmes and decisions were effectively implemented.
The President also thanked diplomats representing various countries and heads of international organisations in Tanzania who attended the ceremony, saying their presence reflected the friendship, solidarity and cooperation between Tanzania and the international community.
Samia said the ceremony also demonstrated the strength of Tanzania’s constitutional and political systems, particularly the country’s ability to oversee changes in senior government positions without disrupting peace and stability.
“This shows the friendship, brotherhood and cooperation you have with our nation. But it also means witnessing our Tanzanian systems and the strength of our Constitution—that we can change a senior position without turmoil, while maintaining peace and stability,” she said.
CCM youth leader gives account of Nchimbi’s expulsion
CCM Youth Wing (UVCCM) chairman Mohammed Kawaida, who is also a member of the party’s Central Committee and NEC, spoke to journalists at State House in Chamwino after the swearing-in ceremony.
Kawaida attributed Nchimbi’s expulsion to what he described as arrogance and disregard for instructions from the party.
He said the party’s Central Committee and NEC had directed Nchimbi to appear before the CCM Ethics Committee, but that he failed to do so.
“I know many people would want to know what happened. But the Central Committee, working together with the NEC, directed that the former leader be summoned before the Ethics Committee,” Kawaida said.
“And because of his arrogance, because he did not see the importance of the party’s instructions and disregarded them, he hesitated to appear. That is when the Central Committee and the NEC resolved to expel him from the party,” he added.
