The power that is inside CCM top echelons have decided “enough is enough” with the incumbent Tarime Rural MP, Waitara Mwita. CCM has now unleashed its top guns to make a case that Waitara has outlived his purpose.
Cabinet minister for law and constitutional affairs, Damas Ndumbaru, is leading the anti Waitara onslaught. Ndumbaru has told the electorate in Tarime Rural, Waitara has been napping on the job: He hasn’t visited his constituency for the last eight months or so.
Moreover, Waitara isn’t “educated” – the Tarime Rural deserves better: a highly educated MP in his own permanent Secretary in the ministry Ndumbaru is heading! The current permanent secretary in question is no-one but Mary Makondo.
What Ndumbaru is silent about is why all of sudden education and constituency visitations are critical for the Tarime Rural MP. Why the establishment sees no evil and reads no evil when “Msukuma” a primary school leaver can continue to be an MP despite lacking academic superior credentials. After all, the constitution pitches tent for literacy skills which Waitara imbues, and much more.
Waitara said once he overheard the political damage Ndumbaru had inflicted on him in his own backyard, he couldn’t sleep but traveled the whole night to his constituency so that he could repair the damage. Was it too little too late? We may never know, at least for now.
Waitara bitterly lamented the establishment is hounding him out of office because he has staunchly stood with his electorate on a number of issues. Besides, Ndumbaru who is an MP for Songea Urban Constituency has no business choosing representatives on behalf of the great people of Tarime Rural. Tarime Rural was better placed to determine their future without meddling from strangers.
What are the issues that have led to Waitara getting the boot from his own political party, CCM? This article attempts to answer this question, and many more.
Waitara Mwita skewered by CCM, of all political parties!
The political dynamics in Tarime Rural constituency reflect a complex interplay of intra-party rivalry, resource allocation pressures, and shifting voter allegiances. Here’s a structured analysis of the situation involving MP Mwita Waitara and the establishment-backed minister:
⚔️ 1. Internal CCM Power Struggle.
– Incumbent Vulnerability:
Waitara faces displacement pressure despite his decade-long incumbency (since 2015) and former Deputy Minister role. His defection from CHADEMA to CCM in 2018 makes him susceptible to “outsider” stigma within party factions.
– Establishment Maneuvering:
The unnamed minister (likely aligned with President Samia’s circle) represents CCM’s old guard. This mirrors broader generational tensions, as seen in Ismani where 30-year incumbent William Lukuvi faces youth-led rebellion.
🗺️ 2. Redistricting as Political Weapon.
– Constituency Reshuffle:
Tarime’s boundaries may be altered under INEC’s recent restructuring, which split 8 constituencies citing “population thresholds“. Critics allege gerrymandering to weaken incumbents like Waitara.
– Waitara’s Exit Strategy:
Reports suggest Waitara may pivot to the new Kivule constituency. (carved from Ukonga) to avoid direct confrontation. This mirrors historical tactics where displaced MPs seek safer seats. However, his current rhetoric suggests he is going nowhere.
🏗️ 3. Local Grievances & Campaign Issues.
– Unmet Development Promises:
Waitara highlighted water shortages in Tarime during CCM Secretary General Nchimbi’s visit (April 2025), extracting promises for Sh2 billion water projects . Failure to deliver amplifies voter discontent.
– Mining Sector Tensions:
Waitara advocated for small-scale miners awaiting licenses—a critical issue in gold-rich Tarime where police violence near North Mara Mine sparked killings. His effectiveness here could sway votes.
⚖️ 4. Opposition Opportunities.
– ACT-Wazalendo’s Inroads:
With CHADEMA barred from elections, opposition votes may consolidate behind ACT-Wazalendo. The party’s recruitment of defectors (e.g., Peter Madeleka in Kivule) shows growing traction.
– Anti-Establishment Sentiment:
Waitara could position himself as a “victim of elite purge,” appealing to voters tired of top-down CCM politics—similar to Festo Kiswaga’s anti-Lukuvi campaign in Ismani.
🧮 5. Likely Scenarios.
| No. | Scenario. | Probability. | Key Drivers. |
| 1.0 | Waitara retains Tarime. | Low. | Requires overwhelming local support + party boss intervention. |
| 2.0 | Waitara shifts to Kivule. | High. | Strategic retreat; leverages name recognition in new urban seat. |
| 3.0 | Establishment candidate wins. | Medium. | Dependent on state resources + voter mobilization machinery. |
💎 Conclusion: A Microcosm of CCM’s Crisis.
Tarime exemplifies CCM’s internal fractures: generational change demands clash with elite entrenchment.
Waitara’s fate hinges on:
1. Whether he can mobilize local grievances (water, mining licenses) against “distant party bosses“.
2. The opposition’s capacity to exploit CCM infighting amid CHADEMA’s absence.
3. Redistricting outcomes—a tool increasingly used to manage succession crises.
As CCM Secretary General Nchimbi implores, “Elections are not fights” —but in Tarime, the battle lines are sharply drawn between grassroots legitimacy and centralized power.
Why the establishment is done with Waitara?
This escalating conflict between MP Mwita Waitara and Minister Ndumbaru exposes critical tensions in Tanzania’s governance structure, blending political ambition, constitutional breaches, and environmental advocacy. Here’s a distilled analysis:
🔍 Core Conflict Drivers.
1. Ministerial Overreach.
– Minister Ndumbaru’s campaign for his Permanent Secretary (PS) in Waitara’s constituency violates Article 107(1) of Tanzania’s Constitution (public servants’ political neutrality) and CCM’s own ethics code.
Using state resources for intra-party rivalry sets dangerous precedent.
2. “Education” vs. Representation.
– Ndumbaru’s claim that his PS is “more educated” than Waitara (a 4-term MP) reveals “elitist disconnect”.
Constituency representation hinges on accountability – not academic credentials. Waitara’s alleged 8-month absence (if proven) weakens his position but doesn’t justify ministerial interference.
3. Serengeti Land Encroachment.
– Waitara’s assertion that his anti-encroachment stance triggered retaliation aligns with:
– Serengeti’s $2B tourism value (25% of Tanzania’s tourism GDP).
– History of political-corporate collusion in land grabs (e.g., 2023 Grumeti Reserve scandals).
– Local vs. National Interests:
Central government prioritizes revenue; Tarime residents face displacement.
⚖️ Constitutional & Party Governance Violations.|
| No. | Action. | Legal/Party Breach. | Implication. |
| 1.0 | Minister campaigning for PS. | Article 107(1) constitution; CCM Code Art. 12(3). | Blurring state/party lines; abuse of power. |
| 2.0 | SG Nchimbi’s inaction. | CCM Constitution Art. 25 (disciplinary powers). | Encouraging impunity in party ranks. |
| 3.0 | Discrediting elected MP. | Local Govt. Act Sec. 21(MPs’ mandate). | Undermining devolved representation. |
🌍 Serengeti’s Political Ecology.
– Stakeholder Conflicts:
– Waitara:
Champions local pastoralists facing eviction.
– Ministerial Camp:
Likely backed by investors eyeing safari lodges/mining.
– CCM Establishment:
Balances conservation optics vs. revenue needs.
– Precedent:
Similar battles in Ngorongoro (2021) saw MPs sidelined for opposing displacement.
🎯 4 Likely Resolutions.
1. Waitara’s Expulsion. (Probability: 45%)
– If CCM sides with Ndumbaru, citing “indiscipline” over SG complaint.
– Risk:
Backlash from Tarime voters; boosts ACT-Wazalendo opposition.
2. Forced “Step Aside” Deal (30%)
– Waitara “voluntarily” vacates Tarime for Kivule constituency.
– Benefit to CCM:
Avoids public bloodletting; isolates Waitara.
3. Waitara Triumphs. (15%)
– Requires massive local mobilization + anti-corruption allies.
– Trigger*m:
If land encroachment evidence implicates Ndumbaru’s allies.
4. Legal Intervention. (10%)
– Waitara petitions National Electoral Commission (NEC) over ministerial misconduct.
– Hurdle: NEC’s historical deference to ruling party.
💎 The Bigger Picture: Centralization vs. Devolution.
This clash tests Tanzania’s post-Magufuli power balance:
– Centralization Wins If:
Ministers override MPs with impunity, signaling weakened local governance.
– Devolution Wins If:
CCM SG disciplines Ndumbaru, affirming MP sovereignty.
> “When ministers become kingmakers in constituencies, democracy bleeds at the grassroots.”
> – Adapted from CHADEMA Chair Freeman Mbowe’s 2024 critique.
Waitara’s fate will reveal whether Tanzania’s one-party dominance can tolerate dissent on “people vs. profits” dilemmas – especially when protecting UNESCO World Heritage sites hangs in the balance. His survival now depends on local solidarity against Dar-es-Salaam’s political machinery.
Waitara stance on compensation of land in Bulyanhulu gold mine rankled the establishment?
MP Mwita Waitara’s advocacy for fair land compensation at Bulyanhulu Gold Mine has indeed provoked significant tension with Tanzania’s political establishment, reflecting deep-seated conflicts over resource governance, corporate accountability, and local rights. Here’s a breakdown of the dynamics:
⚖️ 1. Waitara’s Core Stance Challenging Establishment Interests.
– Demand for Fair Compensation:
Waitara publicly pressured the government to ensure timely, adequate compensation for landowners affected by mining operations, citing undervaluation and bureaucratic delays . This contradicted the state’s narrative of resolved legacy issues.
– Exposing Flawed Processes:
He highlighted systemic failures in consultation and transparency, echoing studies showing communities around Bulyanhulu suffered displacement without proper recourse, exacerbating poverty and social fragmentation.
– Anti-Encroachment Advocacy:
His opposition to Serengeti land grabs directly threatened **alliances between officials and mining interests**, where informal land concessions often benefit elites.
💰 2. Why This Rankled the Establishment.
– Undermining State-Corporate Partnerships:
Barrick’s 2020 partnership with Tanzania claimed to resolve land claims “transparently” through the Twiga Minerals committee . Waitara’s criticism exposed lingering grievances, challenging the state’s legitimacy in brokering deals.
– Revealing Human Rights Violations:
His alignment with RAID’s reports on police brutality at North Mara (linked to Barrick) implicated state security forces in “extrajudicial killings and torture.” The establishment dismissed these as “rogue bandit” issues.
– Threatening Investment Climate:
By demanding stricter oversight, Waitara risked disrupting mining revenue streams critical to national budgets. Barrick contributes ~5% of Tanzania’s GDP, making dissent economically sensitive.
🧩 3. Tactics Used to Silence Waitara.
– Discrediting His Advocacy:
Minister Ndumbaru attacked Waitara’s “lack of education” and absenteeism, framing him as **unfit for leadership** despite his 4-term incumbency.
– Political Replacement Campaign:
The minister openly campaigned for his Permanent Secretary to replace Waitara, violating constitutional neutrality rules (Article 107(1)).
– Redistricting Threats:
Proposals to split Tarime constituency could dilute Waitara’s support base, a tactic historically used to sideline dissidents.
🌍 4. Broader Implications for Land Politics.
– Local vs. National Priorities:
Waitara represents grassroots demands for land tenure security, while the state prioritizes mining investments.
Bulyanhulu’s land acquisitions notably increased community vulnerability, with women/youth disproportionately affected .
– Accountability Gaps:
Barrick’s denial of responsibility for police conduct—despite funding and housing them—highlights **impunity enabled by state-corporate collusion** . Waitara’s push for transparency threatens this system.
– Erosion of Devolution:
Centralized intervention in Tarime signals weakening local governance, undermining constitutional mandates for MPs to represent constituency interests .
💎 Conclusion: A Microcosm of Resource Colonialism.
Waitara embodies the clash between extractive capitalism and community sovereignty. His stance on Bulyanhulu compensation exposes how Tanzania’s mining sector remains entrenched in:
> – Elite capture of land/value chains.
> – State repression of dissent through legal/political coercion.
> – International complicity (e.g., LBMA certifying conflict gold).
The establishment’s retaliation against him underscores a systemic refusal to cede power to localized, equitable resource governance. Until compensation includes binding community consent and independent oversight figures like Waitara will remain targets for speaking truth to power.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
