Tanzania’s Mpina Sparks Fierce Debate, Urging Transparency in Parliament Over Internal Party Tensions

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a compelling session of the Tanzanian parliament, the Kisesa Member of Parliament (CCM), Luhaga Mpina, delivered another impassioned speech just two days after captivating the public with his demand for an independent investigation into the untimely demise of President Magufuli. Mpina's fervent advocacy for transparency in government appointments had already caused a stir, but now, his call for an Independent Commission to probe President Magufuli's controversial death has intensified the political landscape.

Addressing the Parliament, Mpina emphasized the need for citizens to heed the words echoed by former CDF Venance Mabayo on March 16th, who hinted at individuals within the ruling party CCM who opposed President Samia's succession to Magufuli.

"After listening to the explanations of retired Chief of Defense Forces, General Venance Mabeyo, I urge my fellow MPs to allow the establishment of an Independent Commission to investigate the controversy surrounding the death of Dr. John Magufuli to do him justice," stated Mpina, highlighting the significance of uncovering the truth behind the tumultuous events.

Additionally, Mpina's proposal for the commission to identify those who resisted the constitutional requirement of swearing in Samia Suluhu Hassan as President further underlined the gravity of his call for accountability within the political sphere.

His remarks, delivered during a pivotal debate on the implementation report of the Office of the President, Public Service Management, and Good Governance for the year 2023/24, have set the stage for a fierce and consequential battle of ideas.

During a parliamentary session on Friday, April 19, 2024, Luhaga Mpina, an experienced Member of Parliament who has been serving since 2005 and held the position of Minister of Livestock and Fisheries from 2017 to 2020, once again made headlines with his bold proposals for government reform.

Mpina, known for his outspokenness, advocated for a significant overhaul of the appointment system, urging for a merit-based process where candidates apply for positions and undergo interviews rather than being appointed directly.

At the same time, a cadre of the Chama cha Mapinduzi party, Abdallah Bulembo, was displeased with Mpina's actions in parliament and warned him against tarnishing the party's image in front of the public.

Abdallah Bulembo, echoing sentiments within CCM, characterized Mpina's actions as traitorous, stating that public criticism of the party undermines its integrity. Bulembo emphasized the importance of internal party discipline and called for adherence to established procedures for addressing grievances.

Bulembo said, "According to our guidelines within CCM, Luhaga Mpina is a traitor because you cannot publicly undress CCM. If CCM has made mistakes, you have your procedures. Mzee Kinana should assist us because it is necessary to maintain discipline to respect the President." He added, "I would advise Mzee Abdulrahman Kinana to start with Luhaga Mpina because CCM has values and every CCM MP has principles. Within CCM, there is a caucus where you take your issues; if you come out publicly like Mpina criticizing the government, it's lacking in principles."

Responding to critics, Mpina defended his position, citing the need for a merit-based selection process to ensure competent leadership. He criticized the current system of appointments, arguing that it fosters nepotism and incompetence within government ranks.

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In his impassioned speech, Mpina highlighted the flaws in the current system, citing instances of nepotism and incompetence that arise from appointments made without competition. He questioned the effectiveness of the vetting process for presidential appointments, pointing out that with Tanzania's population of 61 million, it is impossible to thoroughly vet every candidate. He advocated for a merit-based system where candidates apply for positions and undergo interviews, rather than being appointed directly.

Mpina, known for his outspoken nature, expressed concerns about the lack of accountability in government appointments, noting instances where individuals appointed to positions were later dismissed without addressing the underlying issues. He emphasized the need for adherence to directives issued by top government officials, including Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, highlighting cases where such directives were disregarded.

He questioned Minister of State, Office of the President, Public Service Management, and Good Governance, George Simbachawene, about the lack of action regarding a statement made by Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), General Jacob Mkunda, regarding the employment of asylum seekers and refugees in decision-making positions within the government.

During his address, Mpina lauded the efforts of fellow MPs Esther Matiko and Emmanuel Ole Shangay, commending their impassioned calls for reform. He also shed light on the disparities between investigation and audit findings, revealing instances of corruption amounting to billions of Tanzanian shillings.

Mpina emphasized the need for transparency, suggesting a departure from concealing the identities of those implicated in corruption scandals, akin to the approach taken by the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA). He urged for more public scrutiny, asserting that it was time for accountability to take center stage.

Mpina's speech did not stop at government appointments; he also shed light on issues of corruption and inefficiency within government institutions. He highlighted discrepancies between investigation reports and audit reports, pointing out cases of corruption amounting to over 1.4 trillion Tanzanian shillings at the Mwalimu Nyerere Dam and IPTL Power Plant, and over 3.4 trillion Tanzanian shillings in the construction of the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) project. Additionally, Mpina mentioned loans taken without following the law amounting to over 2.5 trillion Tanzanian shillings.

He expressed frustration over the low percentage of complaints handled by anti-corruption agencies and the high rate of lost cases in court, signaling systemic failures in addressing corruption.

Despite pushback from Minister of State, Office of the President (Investment), Professor Kitila Mkumbo, who argued that Mpina's proposals challenged the constitutional authority of the President, Mpina remained steadfast in his calls for reform. He praised fellow MPs Esther Matiko and Emmanuel Ole Shangay for their contributions and emotional appeals for change.

Mpina's speech resonated with many Tanzanians who have long called for transparency and accountability in government. As the debate continues, Mpina's proposals will likely spark further discussions on governance and political reform in Tanzania.

Apolinary Mulokozi, a critic based in Dar es Salaam, said, "In CCM when someone speaks the truth, you see them as a traitor. What Mpina said is right, Bulembo should sit down and relax, he is working with his son.”

Balthazar William Rwenyagira based in Bukoba Urban said, "Now this Parliament urgently needs opposition because CCM MPs are not allowed to speak to their voters about the government's mistakes. This means it will be a silent Parliament, and there is no need for live broadcasts."

Eddy Mmanga, a critic based in Shinyanga, said, "Generally, when a party or party leader goes against their plans, first they sit together as an institution to correct each other, no one is perfect, Mpina deserves severe punishment Again as a lesson and for others who lack wisdom like him, he does not deserve to be where he is, he is a hypocrite."

Geoffrey Mranda, a citizen based in  Mwanza, said, "Bulembo should know that Mpina has made no mistake there. Why did the leader announce the removal of those levies on fuel, then two or three days later he changed course and used the four-wheel drive?”

In a pivotal parliamentary session, Luhaga Mpina's bold calls for government transparency and an independent inquiry into President Magufuli's death have sparked intense debate. Abdallah Bulembo's warnings to Mpina reflect internal party tensions within CCM, contrasting with support from those applauding Mpina's courage.

Mpina's unwavering commitment to accountability resonates widely, yet challenges persist as dissenting voices clash. Despite the uncertainty, Mpina's advocacy heralds a shift toward transparency in Tanzanian politics, galvanizing citizens across divides. Whether his proposals materialize into real change remains uncertain, but Mpina's resolute stance marks a turning point in the nation's political landscape, echoing the yearning for a more accountable government.