Tanzania’s E-X Chadema MP Peter Msigwa Accuses Opposition of Corruption and No Direction

By Adonis Byemelwa

Former Iringa Urban MP (Chadema), Reverend Peter Msigwa, has revealed his reasons for leaving the opposition party and joining the ruling Chama cha Mapinduzi (CCM), citing the pursuit of democracy and accusing Chadema of corruption.

Msigwa alleged that in 2015, Chadema’s MPs were collectively asked to contribute over TSh 2 billion, which remains unaccounted for. Msigwa made these claims yesterday, Saturday, July 20, 2024, in Iringa during a public meeting held by CCM, using the platform to explain his shift.

Msigwa defected from Chadema on June 30, 2024, and joined CCM, where he was welcomed by CCM's National Chairperson, President Samia Suluhu Hassan, during a National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the State House in Dar es Salaam.

Speaking at the meeting, Msigwa stated that Chadema had lost its direction and reconciliation, prompting him to join CCM to build the party together and defend the country.

"Msigwa remains the same; let's unite and cooperate to bring development to our country. Today, Msigwa leaves with 15 people from Chadema," said the politician. He also mentioned the tourism sector, attributing the rise in tourists to President Samia's patriotic efforts in creating the 'Royal Tour' film.

Regarding the deductions for MPs, Msigwa claimed that MPs were being deducted funds monthly, with special seat MPs contributing Sh 1.03 million and constituency MPs Sh 510,000. "Chadema leaders should come forward and explain where the more than TSh 2 billion deducted from MPs went, if not for some leaders enriching themselves," questioned Msigwa.

In response, Chadema's Vice Chairman for the Nyasa region, Frank Mwakajoka, denied Msigwa's allegations, stating they were baseless and politically motivated now that Msigwa had joined the other side. "What democracy is he seeking? After the regional elections and the winner was announced, he praised the party's maturity in democracy and promised to support the leaders. So why is he saying this now?" Mwakajoka queried.

Mwakajoka, who was once a close ally of Msigwa during the elections, suggested that it's hard to accept election results since everyone entering the race aims to win, not lose. "Currently, Msigwa is making numerous unfounded claims because he has nothing else to do, and having switched sides, he finds no substantial points to make," Mwakajoka said.

Addressing the corruption allegations of Sh 2 billion, Mwakajoka explained that the funds were transparently used, including facilitating leaders' tours to inform citizens about the repressive actions of the fifth phase government in curtailing freedom. "Indeed, in 2015, all Chadema MPs agreed to contribute funds to prepare for local government and general elections, with special seat MPs contributing TSh 1 million and constituency MPs Sh 500,000 each," he added.

He clarified that the difference in contribution amounts was due to constituency MPs having more responsibilities within their constituencies than special-seat MPs. Speaking at the meeting, Iringa Urban MP (CCM), Jesca Msambatavangu, invited Msigwa to consult with her on any unfinished business he sees.

"Brother, you have shown that you have no grudge; you see the work being done and have come to support it. Welcome," said Jesca, adding, "If there's something you thought you could do, come and advise us so we can do it together."

Commenting on Msigwa's statements, University of Dodoma (Udom) lecturer Dr. Paul Loisulie said Msigwa’s actions continue to demonstrate that the country's politics are still immature, focusing on gossip rather than discussing substantive issues.

"Mature individuals discuss issues, while those with limited understanding focus on gossip and personal attacks. How can you insult people when citizens lack water and are abducted for advocating for the Constitution? The problems persist," he said.

The trend of politicians switching sides to the ruling party CCM while disparaging their former parties is not new. Msigwa joins others like former Deputy Culture, Arts, and Sports Minister, Juliana Shonza, who spent much of her time castigating her former camp.

 Recently, Upendo Peneza joined the fray, along with Abdul Kambaya from CUF, who brought over 800 members to CCM, essentially dismantling the very party that brought him to parliament in 2010. These defections are seen as strategic moves by CCM to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2025 elections.

The opposition, already struggling with escalating poverty and financial strains, lost government subventions after the 2020 elections under the despotic Magufuli regime.

“The loss of funding has made it increasingly difficult for opposition parties to mount effective campaigns and maintain their organizational structures. In this context, the mudslinging and defections to CCM are seen as attempts to further destabilize and weaken the opposition, pushing it into the abyss,” says a political analyst based in Sinza Dar es Salaam, Stephen Mwemezi.

Joseph Byeshuliro, an activist based in Kijichi, Dar es Salaam, observed, “As Tanzania’s political landscape continues to evolve, the actions of politicians like Peter Msigwa underline the significant challenges confronting the opposition. These developments reveal the extremes to which individuals and parties will go to secure their political futures. With the 2025 elections approaching, the ongoing shifts and accusations are poised to intensify, profoundly influencing the future trajectory of Tanzanian politics.”