Tanzania’s Brutal Abduction and Murder of Chadema Leader Sparks National Outcry

By Adonis Byemelwa

The tragic abduction and murder of Ali Mohamed Kibao, a senior member of Tanzania's opposition party Chadema, has sparked national outrage and intensified scrutiny over the state of political freedoms in the country. Kibao, a key figure in Chadema's Secretariat and an assistant to the party's Secretary-General, was forcibly taken by armed men and later found dead, a crime that has rocked Tanzania’s political scene.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania swiftly condemned the killing, joining citizens in calling for justice. In a strongly worded statement shared on the platform X, formerly known as Twitter, the Embassy demanded an independent and transparent investigation into Kibao’s abduction and killing. The statement noted that such incidents have no place in a democratic society.

“Murders, disappearances, arrests, beatings, and other efforts to exclude citizens from last month’s election have no place in a democracy,” the Embassy emphasized, underscoring the need for Tanzania’s authorities to uphold constitutional rights. The statement further expressed heartfelt condolences to Kibao’s family and acknowledged his contributions to the nation’s civil leadership.

Kibao's abduction has added to a growing list of troubling incidents, as reports of kidnappings and politically motivated violence rise in Tanzania. Opposition leaders, including Chadema Secretary-General John Mnyika, have raised alarms over these trends. Mnyika, in a public address, detailed the circumstances surrounding Kibao’s abduction, explaining that the politician was en route to Tanga from Dar es Salaam when two vehicles blocked his bus. Armed men boarded the vehicle, ordered the driver to stop, and forcibly removed Kibao from his seat.

The brutal act has prompted a national debate over political repression in Tanzania, with many urging for reforms and stronger protections for opposition leaders and activists. Ali Mohamed Kibao was laid to rest today in Tanga, with a large turnout of political figures paying tribute to his life and work.

Kibao’s body was discovered at Mwananyamala Regional Hospital mortuary in Kinondoni, Dar es Salaam, with severe injuries that left his family struggling to recognize him. His body was found dumped at Ununio, near the NSSF fields, bearing significant facial injuries. Witnesses reported that the lifeless body of the former army officer turned political activist was found early in the morning by local spinach farmers, who promptly alerted the police.

Kibao was abducted in broad daylight in the Tegeta area of Dar es Salaam, in front of the Kibo Complex. The vehicle he was traveling in, a bus from the Tashrif company with registration number T 343 EES, was blocked by two white Landcruiser hardtop vehicles belonging to the Tanzanian police.

According to witnesses, Kibao was forcefully removed from the bus by individuals believed to be police officers. A traffic police officer, Machiwa, who was sitting in the front seat of the bus, witnessed the entire incident and is available for further information.

The phone number Kibao used before his abduction was also reported. His abductors reportedly called this number several times to verify his identity before taking him. This tragic incident mirrors similar cases where opposition figures, activists, and government critics have disappeared or been found dead under mysterious circumstances.

Before his untimely death, Ali Mohamed Kibao had served in the Tanzanian People’s Defence Force (JWTZ) before retiring and joining CCM, the ruling party. He later became the regional publicity secretary for CCM in Tanga during the presidency of Jakaya Kikwete.

 Eventually, he joined Chadema, Tanzania’s leading opposition party, where he played a key role in its Secretariat. Kibao’s death adds to a growing list of Chadema leaders who have been abducted or murdered under suspicious circumstances, including Dionizi Kipanya, Kombo Bwana Twaha, and Frank Mbise.

The brutality surrounding his death has caused outrage. Freeman Mbowe, Chadema Chairman, and John Mnyika, the party’s Secretary-General, were visibly shaken when they viewed Kibao’s body at Mwananyamala Hospital.

 Mbowe expressed his disbelief and sorrow, revealing that Kibao’s face had been doused with acid, further mutilating his features. He strongly condemned the attack and called for the involvement of Chadema lawyers in the investigation.

Kibao’s abduction and murder come at a time when more than 80 Tanzanian citizens have reportedly been abducted or disappeared under similar circumstances. Numerous political leaders and human rights organizations have demanded immediate action and transparency from the government, calling the rise in politically motivated violence and abductions a serious threat to Tanzania’s democratic process.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan, under increasing pressure, ordered an investigation into Kibao’s death, promising a detailed report to the public. Opposition leaders, however, have insisted on an independent judicial commission to probe this murder and similar incidents.

 Mbowe warned that if the official investigation does not align with the evidence seen by Chadema, the party will challenge the findings. He reaffirmed Chadema’s commitment to political reform, stating, “We will not be silenced. We will continue fighting for justice, freedom, and democracy in Tanzania.”

Zitto Kabwe, former ACT-Wazalendo party leader, echoed calls for justice, demanding the formation of a judicial commission to investigate the growing number of disappearances and murders targeting political activists.

 He lamented the atmosphere of fear and demanded urgent measures to restore public confidence in the state’s ability to protect its citizens, calling Kibao’s death an affront to human dignity and democracy.

At Mwananyamala Hospital, tensions ran high as Chadema supporters and family members gathered, demanding answers. Legal representatives from Chadema, including lawyer Hekima Mwasipu, initially faced challenges accessing the mortuary, with hospital security personnel blocking their entry. After protests from the crowd, Mwasipu was eventually allowed to participate in the post-mortem process.

As the investigation proceeds, police spokesperson David Misime confirmed that a special investigative team had been deployed from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to find the perpetrators.

Misime stated, “We will leave no stone unturned in finding those responsible for this heinous crime.” However, the lack of response from senior government officials, including Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni, who did not respond to calls or messages, has raised concerns about the government’s commitment to transparency.

Amos Makalla, Secretary of Ideology, Publicity, and Training in the ruling party CCM, condemned the killing and called on the police to investigate the incident thoroughly. His statement emphasized the need for political unity in addressing such tragedies, regardless of party affiliations.

This murder comes at a critical time for Tanzania, with the 2025 general elections approaching. Kibao’s death adds to the tension, and many fear political violence may escalate as the elections draw closer. Chadema leaders have vowed to continue pressing for justice, warning that attempts to silence opposition figures will not deter their mission to challenge the current political regime.

As the nation waits for the outcome of the investigation, Kibao’s death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers facing political activists in Tanzania. Human rights organizations have called for international attention, as pressure mounts for the government to not only solve Kibao’s murder but also address the broader culture of political violence and intimidation in the country.