President Samia Suluhu Hassan had appointed retired IGP Simon Nyankoro Sirro who also doubled as a diplomat now Kigoma R.C.
It is not lost Kigoma region is Act Wazalendo’s stronghold with its former leader Zitto Zuberi Kabwe determined to wrestle the parliamentary seat of Kigoma North from CCM, and back to Act Wazalendo.
As the election nears, some R.C, D.C , CEOs and other leaders have resigned so that they can run to be MPs in constituencies of their choice. It was through those vacancies that Retired IGP Sirro was appointed to fill the voids left behind.
Act Wazalendo have sworn to protect their votes against rigging. The question now Act Wazalendo ought to ask themselves will the appointment of Sirro be good news or bad?
Act Wazalendo will find out after the elections. I too don’t have answers but I do sense this appointment has everything to do with the forthcoming elections but in what ways I don’t know.
However, retired IGP record is not comforting when he was the top police officer. During his tenure as an IGP there were disappearances of political activists and journalists. Names like Mwananchi Newspapers Editor, Azory Gwanda come to light. So are the names of Chadema National chairperson assistant, Ben Saanane among others.
Despite Minister for finance Mwigulu Nchemba claiming in parliament that the police stopped crimes during the parliamentary Budgetary session in 2025. The fact is nobody has ever been apprehended and charged in a court of law for the disappearances of the dead bodies that floated the Indian Ocean.
What should we expect once Retired IGP, Sirro, takes the reins of the Kigoma region? Will there be justice for the electorate or injustices afflicted for the poor souls?
Complex Permutations as R.C Sirro Settles In Kigoma Region.
The appointment of retired Inspector General of Police (IGP) Simon Sirro as Kigoma Regional Commissioner (R.C.) represents a significant political maneuver with profound implications for ACT-Wazalendo’s electoral prospects in Kigoma region, and regional governance. Below is a comprehensive analysis of Sirro’s background, Kigoma’s political landscape, and potential consequences:
1. Simon Sirro’s Controversial Tenure as IGP (2017-2022).
– Security Record vs. Human Rights Abuses:
Sirro prioritized combating coastal crime and terrorism , but his tenure was marred by unresolved disappearances of activists and journalists (e.g., Azory Gwanda, Ben Saanane) and allegations of extrajudicial killings. Human rights reports documented increased restrictions on assembly, arbitrary arrests, and police brutality under his command.
– Political Repression:
He publicly urged exiled opposition figures (e.g., Godbless Lema) to return, promising “peace and protection.” Critics dismissed this as propaganda, noting ongoing persecution of dissidents . His security apparatus was accused of suppressing opposition activities through intimidation and legal manipulation.
2. Kigoma’s Political Significance.
– ACT-Wazalendo Stronghold:
Kigoma North is a critical constituency for ACT-Wazalendo, led by Zitto Kabwe. The region has historically resisted CCM dominance, making it a focal point for electoral competition.
– Strategic Timing:
Sirro’s appointment coincides with mass resignations of regional officials (DCs, CEOs) seeking parliamentary seats. This suggests CCM aims to leverage his security background to control a volatile opposition hub ahead of elections.
3. Potential Impacts on Elections and Governance.
– Electoral Integrity Threats:
– Voter Intimidation:
Sirro’s history of suppressing dissent could manifest in police harassment of opposition agents, restricted campaigning, or “disappearances” of activists.
– Institutional Manipulation:
As R.C., he controls local security forces and bureaucrats, enabling ballot interference or judicial obstruction.
– Escalating Human Rights Risks:
Past patterns of unresolved violence—such as bodies found in the Indian Ocean—may recur. Sirro’s impunity record suggests accountability for abuses is unlikely.
Table: Key Concerns vs. ACT-Wazalendo’s Stance.
| No. | Risk Factor. | ACT-Wazalendo’s Position. | Likelihood under Sirro. |
| 1.0 | Voter Suppression. | Sworn to “protect votes”. | High (based on IGP history). |
| 2.0 | Violence Against Dissidents. | Demanded justice for past victims. | Severe (impunity entrenched). |
| 3.0 | Institutional Rigging. | Monitoring electoral fraud. | Critical (R.C. controls resources). |
4. Broader Implications for Tanzania’s Democracy.
– Erosion of Trust:
This move reinforces perceptions that state institutions (police, regional administration) serve CCM’s interests rather than citizens’.
– Regional Security Dynamics:
Sirro’s counterterrorism background may justify increased militarization of Kigoma, potentially framing opposition activities as “terrorism.”
5. Mitigation Strategies for ACT-Wazalendo.
– Legal and International Advocacy:
Document abuses systematically and petition bodies like the African Court on Human Rights.
– Grassroots Mobilization:
Deploy trained poll watchers and leverage social media for real-time monitoring.
– Coalition Building:
Partner with civil society (e.g., Legal and Human Rights Centre) to expose irregularities.
Conclusion: A Calculated Risk with Dire Consequences
Sirro’s appointment signals CCM’s intent to neutralize ACT-Wazalendo’s stronghold through coercive governance.
His record suggests Kigoma could experience heightened repression, electoral malpractice, and violence. While ACT-Wazalendo’s resilience will be tested, proactive domestic and international pressure may mitigate worst-case scenarios. The world will watch whether Tanzania’s democracy survives this stress test.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
