Kibao Family’s Demand for Justice Shakes Tanzania, Pressuring Leaders for Accountability

By Adonis Byemelwa

In a harrowing appeal that has shaken Tanzania’s political landscape, Mohamed Ali Kibao, son of the late Ali Mohamed Kibao, has spoken out following his father’s shocking abduction and murder earlier in September.

Ali Kibao, a member of Chadema’s Secretariat, was abducted near Kibo Complex in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, on September 6, 2024, and later found murdered in Ununio. The brutality of the attack has left his family and supporters demanding justice, as Mohamed voiced frustrations over what he described as a government response marked by silence and inaction.

Mohamed Ali Kibao took to social media to make an impassioned call for accountability, expressing distress that, despite Tanzania’s tight restrictions on political gatherings, security forces had yet to take concrete action to identify and apprehend his father’s killers.

“We all know that he was abducted, tortured, and murdered in broad daylight—there’s no denying this,” Mohamed stated. “This government has the power to prevent and address these actions, yet here we are. We’re not only asking you to talk about this particular incident; address all those responsible for inflicting suffering on people.”

In his statement, Mohamed revealed a deep-seated mistrust in the country's law enforcement institutions. “When my father was taken from us, we didn’t go to the police. Instead, we turned to social media because we don’t feel safe with the police,” he explained.

Mohamed’s words have cast a glaring spotlight on Tanzanians’ fears of security forces, where citizens often view police not as protectors but as entities aligned with the powerful, leaving families of political figures or activists in distress with limited avenues for recourse.

His testimony highlights the anxiety surrounding politically motivated attacks, stirring debate nationwide about whether security agencies can genuinely protect the public or if they only serve the interests of the state

The grief-stricken family highlighted their difficulties in seeking legal aid, with Mohamed disclosing that lawyers approached to support the family have declined, fearing for their own lives. “We sought legal advice, but none of the lawyers were willing to help with this case. They’re scared for their lives, and I can’t blame them. This makes it all the more dangerous for us, especially when we see no strong statement from the President addressing the people who carry out these actions with impunity,” Mohamed remarked.

The Kibao family’s call for transparency reached President Samia Suluhu Hassan, whom they urged to take a firmer stand against those perpetrating such crimes. As the family pleaded for answers, Mohamed said they found it discouraging those officials took so long to address them directly.

“The Minister of Home Affairs spoke to our sister Mariam, but since then, we have had no word on what the government is doing,” he said, adding that they feel “unable to mourn properly, unable to find closure.”

Upon visiting the Kibao family residence in Tanga, Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni brought condolences from President Samia and conveyed her sorrow over the incident. Masauni assured the family of ongoing investigative efforts and encouraged them to remain calm as authorities work toward uncovering the truth behind the incident.

"Madam President and the entire government are deeply saddened by this event, which should never have happened, particularly in a country known for its peace,” Masauni said. "The President’s directives are already being followed to find the cause of this incident. Your government is with you—this country is governed by law, and every citizen has the right to live in safety.”

The Minister’s visit brought some consolation, with Masauni presenting five million Tanzanian shillings as a government donation to the grieving family. Still, for Mariam Ali Mohamed, another of Kibao’s children who spoke on behalf of the family, unanswered questions remain.

She implored the government to expedite the investigation and requested regular updates on any developments, underscoring that the family should receive information through official channels and not hear updates from media reports.

“We heard that President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ordered an investigation into our father’s death. But as a family, how will we know the progress?” Mariam questioned. “It’s often difficult to reach high-ranking officials in cases like these. This is a heavy matter. We simply ask for your cooperation as a government because we don’t know who is behind this horrific act. All we’re asking for is justice and the truth.”

The incident has sparked widespread concern, as members of the public and political observers alike reflect on the implications of Kibao’s tragic death. The family’s remarks have raised questions about accountability and the influence of state power on matters of justice.

The U.S. Embassy in Tanzania has strongly condemned the recent abduction and murder of opposition figure Ali Mohamed Kibao, calling for an independent and transparent investigation. In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Embassy emphasized that such violent acts have no place in a democratic society.

In a pointed response on September, 16, President Samia Suluhu Hassan defended Tanzania's handling of the incident, pushing back against international criticism. Speaking in the Kilimanjaro region, Hassan stated that Tanzania does not need guidance on managing its internal matters.

Without naming specific nations, she referenced criticisms from Western countries, highlighting that incidents like gun violence are prevalent in many places but that Tanzania has “never instructed its ambassadors to interfere in the internal affairs of other nations.”

Following the U.S. Embassy’s statement, the European Union, United Kingdom, Canada, Norway, and Switzerland released a joint statement on September 10, raising concerns about recent cases of violence, disappearances, and deaths involving political and human rights activists in Tanzania. Reaffirming her government’s commitment to security, Hassan stated, “We have sworn to protect the security of Tanzania and defend the constitution of Tanzania… We need no direction from anyone in fulfilling our duty.”

The diplomatic exchange has highlighted tensions between Tanzania and Western nations, as questions continue to emerge around transparency and the protection of political activists in the country.

“Murders, disappearances, arrests, beatings, and other efforts to exclude citizens from last month’s election have no place in a democracy,” the Embassy emphasized, emphasizing 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.

Mohamed’s call for transparency resonates particularly strongly in Tanzania, a country whose reputation for peace and security is now under scrutiny in light of Kibao’s killing and the family’s pointed critique. As Mohamed stated, “Those who are responsible act without fear because perhaps they believe they have state protection or that they’re more powerful than the government. This needs to stop.”

The Kibao case has catalyzed broader discussions about civil liberties, the role of security forces, and the public’s confidence in the rule of law. Political analysts warn that if no decisive action is taken, it could erode citizens’ trust in the administration. Mohamed’s words—urging the government to uphold justice for his father and bring the perpetrators to account—highlight the urgency of the matter for both the Kibao family and Tanzanians at large.