Josephat Mathias Gwajima is a mercurial figure in Tanzania’s political scene. He is infamous for promising heaven but delivering emptiness. From purchasing bullet train to raising the dead, Bishop Gwajima has bragged about it all. Regrettably, all of his hyperbolic promises came down to a cropper. Dr. Gwajima is an MP for Kawe, a CCM National council member, a Bishop, a prolific author and holding many other facets in his life.
With the elections inching closer and closer, there has been hostile political realignments that may partly explain Bishop Gwajima current political belligerence. Bishop Gwajima is not only demanding public accountability against abductions but also an end to it! This posturing in part is hypocritical but in part he is playing dangerous games of political survival.
The games he will not prevail because the political landscape is very unfriendly to him this time around. There is now no president Magufuli as in 2020 to push him to stumble in a finishing line. In 2020, before packed Kawe meetings, Magufuli regularly shouted at the top of his mouth roof: “..Ninataka mniletee Gwajimaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa. Nimeomba hadi moyo umeniuma…” This time around Bishop Gwajima is a political orphan and is on his own, and sadly he is sensing he is on his way out. What others had branded fairly or not, “the Sukuma Gang” is now being phased out, and our beloved Bishop is a victim of circumstances, nothing more, nothing less.
His latest stances against abductions, tortures and disappearances of renegades may put him at odds with his own ruling party, a vehicle he needs to sail back to Parliament. This article investigates his chances of winning the Kawe constituency amidst a hostile political landscape for Magufuli men akas “Wasukuma gang”. This is my viewpoint.
In the parliamentary elections in October 2020, Gwajima won the Kawe Constituency against opposition MP Halima Mdee from Chadema. He sits on the Committee on Industry, Trade and environment of the Tanzanian Parliament.
Bishop Josephat Gwajima’s recent condemnation of abductions in Tanzania must be analyzed within the broader political context of escalating political violence, crackdowns on dissent, and his own history as a controversial figure. Here’s a structured analysis:
Lurking behind his political anguish in Kawe constituency is a former Kawe MP of Chadema, Halima Mdee, who prior to Bishop Gwajima’s broadside has issued her own tentative vignette. Mdee has been reticent: her loyalty is getting back to Parliament. This is why she isn’t particular how she gets there, just be there whatever the vehicle is available which may include CHAUMMA or something similar to that.
Mdee says she isn’t a believer in election boycotts coyly jabbing her Chadema party boss, Tundu Lissu, that he was heading to a blind alley. Mdee loyalties these days is retaining her parliamentary goodies intact, and this article will make a major projection at the end, effectively torpedoing our beloved Bishop political career in Kawe constituency for good.
Who is this Our Beloved Bishop Josephat Mathias Gwajima.
Bishop Dr. Josephat Gwajima is a prominent Tanzanian religious leader, politician, and controversial public figure. Below is a structured overview of his life and career, synthesized as follows:
Early Life and Personal Background.
Birth and Childhood:
Born in 1970 in Mwanza, Tanzania, he grew up in a small village and faced significant adversity. At age 10, he suffered a spinal cord injury in an accident, leaving him paralyzed and bedridden for six years. Doctors declared his condition irreversible, but he claims to have been miraculously healed after a vision of Jesus Christ.
Family:
Married to Pastor Grace Gwajima, with three children: Ruth, Freeman, and Manase.
Education and Theological Training.
Gwajima’s academic journey reflects his religious calling:
Primary Education:
Attended Kabale Primary School in Mwanza (1979–1985)
Secondary Education:
Buswelu Secondary School (1990–1993).
Theological Studies:
Certificate in Pastoral Theology from Grace College of East Africa, Nairobi (1993–1994).
Bachelor’s Degree in Theology and Ministry from West Coast Bible College & Seminary, USA (1995–1998).
Master’s Degree in Theology and Counseling from the same institution (2000–2002).
Honorary PhD in Philosophy from Omega Global University, South Africa (2012–2015).
Religious Career and Ministry.
Founding of Churches:
Established the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church (GCTC) in Dar es Salaam, which grew into Tanzania’s largest congregation. He oversees over 400 churches globally and founded Ufufuo na Uzima Ministries, emphasizing spiritual liberation and miracles.
Miraculous Claims:
Known for preaching about raising the dead, healing the sick, and performing “signs and wonders” in Jesus’ name, referencing Matthew 10:8.
Leadership Training: Trained over 7,000 church leaders and authored 40+ theological books .
Political Career:
CCM Affiliation:
A member of Tanzania’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM). He became MP for Kawe constituency in 2020.
Parliamentary Roles:
Served on committees for Parliamentary Privileges, Ethics, and Powers and Industries, Trade, and Environment.
Controversial Advocacy: Gained notoriety for opposing COVID-19 vaccinations, alleging government collusion with Western powers. His public clashes with Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima (his sister-in-law) included accusations of corruption and personal attacks.
Controversies and Public Image:
Anti-Vaccine Campaign:
Led skepticism against COVID-19 vaccines, citing unverified side effects and conspiracy theories. This stance triggered a feud with health authorities .
Scandals:
Denied involvement in a 2019 sex tape scandal and faced criticism for unfulfilled claims, such as resurrecting a deceased politician.
Media Strategy:
Known for theatrical sermons and leveraging social media to amplify his views, often framing himself as a “fearless truth-teller“.
Political Ambitions and Legacy:
Presidential Speculation:
Analysts speculate his anti-establishment rhetoric and media dominance aim to position him for higher office, possibly the presidency.
Influence:
Balances roles as a spiritual leader and politician, though critics question the sincerity of his activism, labeling it opportunistic.
Valuable Observations.
Bishop Gwajima’s life blends religious fervor, political ambition, and controversy. His narrative—from a paralyzed child to a charismatic leader—resonates with many Tanzanians, yet his divisive tactics and unverified claims continue to spark debate.
1. The Abduction Crisis in Tanzania.
Tanzania has seen a surge in politically motivated abductions and disappearances, particularly targeting opposition figures, activists, and critics of the government. Notable cases include the kidnapping and murder of Chadema’s Ali Kibao in 2024, the abduction of ACT-Wazalendo’s Abdul Nondo, and the enforced disappearance of Chadema youth leaders like Deusdedith Soka and Frank Mbise .
These incidents are widely perceived as tactics to silence dissent ahead of the 2025 elections, eroding Tanzania’s reputation as a stable democracy. Human rights organizations and religious leaders, including the Catholic bishops, have condemned these acts and criticized the government’s failure to hold perpetrators accountable.
2. Gwajima’s Political Positioning.
As a ruling party (CCM) MP and Pentecostal bishop, Gwajima’s vocal stance against abductions is notable but complex:
Contradictory Allegiances:
While CCM has historically maintained tight control over dissent, Gwajima’s criticism aligns him with opposition demands for accountability. This could signal internal party divisions or a strategic bid to position himself as a reformist voice.
Publicity-Driven Advocacy:
Gwajima is known for leveraging controversies to amplify his influence. His anti-vaccine campaigns and clashes with Health Minister Dorothy Gwajima (his sister-in-law) exemplify his tendency to use media-savvy “performances” to dominate public discourse. His condemnation of abductions may similarly aim to bolster his image as a fearless leader, especially ahead of elections.
Credibility Challenges:
Gwajima’s past scandals, such as denying involvement in a 2019 sex tape and making unverified claims (e.g., resurrecting a politician), undermine his moral authority. Critics may view his abduction stance as opportunistic rather than principled .
3. Government Response and Systemic Failures.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan initially promised political reforms but has struggled to curb state-linked violence. Despite condemning Kibao’s murder, her administration has not prosecuted perpetrators, and security forces remain accused of collusion in kidnappings. The police’s lack of accountability and the absence of an independent oversight body exacerbate the crisis . Gwajima’s critique indirectly pressures the government to address these systemic issues, though his CCM affiliation complicates his role as a watchdog.
4. Religious Leaders and Civil Society.
Gwajima’s stance aligns with broader religious advocacy, such as the Catholic bishops’ 2024 call for accountability and peace. However, unlike the unified TEC statement, Gwajima’s actions appear more individualized, reflecting his persona as a maverick within both religious and political spheres. Civil society figures like Maria Sarungi (a critic abducted in Nairobi) argue that systemic reforms, such as ratifying international conventions on disappearances, are essential to ending impunity.
5. Implications for Tanzania’s Democracy.
Gwajima’s criticism highlights growing tensions between Tanzania’s democratic aspirations and authoritarian legacies. While his motives may be questioned, his platform amplifies urgent concerns about political violence. The government’s inability to address abductions risks further destabilization, especially with elections approaching.
Whether Gwajima’s activism translates into tangible change depends on his ability to mobilize cross-party support and pressure CCM to reform—a challenging prospect given the ruling party’s entrenched power.
In conclusion, Gwajima’s condemnation of abductions reflects both genuine humanitarian concerns and calculated political maneuvering. While his voice adds momentum to demands for accountability, Tanzania’s path to stability hinges on systemic reforms, independent oversight, and a commitment to rule of law—areas where the government has yet to deliver.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
