Our MPs these days are tired of wearing sheepskin and now have shed it off what we see are wolves in true colours. When it comes to political survival, they are more than willing to trample rights of others to ascertain their illegal ones. It is a game of political survival.
As far as our MPs are concerned we are confined to zero sum games. Unless they win they will lose. There is no way we can all be winners. Once that mathematical formula has been chugged out, our beloved MPs define themselves as winners and the rest of us as losers.
There are two issues which crept out during parliamentary discussions on 26th May 2025. For those who happened to follow what was transpiring in the Augusta House should be forgiven if they felt couldn’t identify or relate themselves with the MPs. Some of these MPs were self representing themselves and they had forgotten us! We just couldn’t relate with them.
The two issues were what the police did to Ugandan and Kenyan activists whose crime was to turn up quietly in Dar-es-Salaam to observe the trial of disinformation offenses of Tundu Lissu. They broke no law for doing just that but our police apprehended them in a manner that at least for now appears the rights of the activists were irrevocably violated. That, however, isn’t out concern today but what our MPs said and purposed in their hearts.
The second issue was reprimand against one of their own Bishop Gwajima. They threatened him with parliamentary censures for speaking his mind out. He was conveniently not within the parliamentary premises for obvious reasons. Gwajima has dismissed those who were scolding him of ineptitude and flattery.
What really happened?
On 26th May 2025, Joseph Kasheku ‘Msukuma’, gor the whele of incendiary rolling. He was the bellwether over this by defining the terms and limits of the debate. The Geita Rural MP, made derogatory remarks about Kenyan activists during parliamentary debates in Tanzania.
In a refere to Kenyan female activists, Msukuma criticized the deported activists, stating:
“One of them wasn’t even physically appealing,” implying disrespect and dismissing their legitimacy. He also compared Tanzania to “not a Maasai disco,” emphasizing sovereignty and demanding loyalty to President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
Msukuma said Kenyans may be good with the Queen’s language but Tanzania is fine without it. For reasons which were not clear, Msukuma spoke in our behalf and didn’t bother to seek our views. For sine of us, mastering the Queen’s language is a golden key to open the mystery of science and technology knowing our own languages weren’t used to develop those skills and knowledge.
Without mastering English we are doomed unlike Msukuma who make his living in representative capacity. Once out of Parliament, he will perspire to eke out his living, – a gratitude of whatever he had amassed there.
Another MP, Eliabariki Kingu (Singida West MP), used the metaphor “public toilet” to condemn foreign activists, declaring Tanzania should not be treated as a place where people “come and go as they please“.
Almost all MPs’ remarks reflect a broader pattern of hostility toward activists while applauding the government for a job well done. The Tanzanian government’s actions—including deportations, alleged torture, and crackdowns on dissent—have drawn international criticism .
Tauhida Gallos, women special seats Unguja West was the one who hurled expletive of “kenge“** is a Kiswahili term roughly translating to “fools” or “idiots”) advocating for their expulsion from the country. The whole parliamentary demeanour highlighted several key figures and incidents involving hostility toward activists in Tanzania:
1. President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Remarks.
While not an MP, President Samia Suluhu Hassan has publicly condemned foreign activists, labeling them as “foreign agents” and warning against “meddling” in Tanzania’s affairs. She instructed authorities to prevent activists from “spreading indiscipline” and emphasized sovereignty over human rights concerns.
2. Hostile Statements by Male MPs.
Two male MPs made derogatory remarks about activists:
Joseph Kasheku (Geita Rural MP): Criticized Kenyan activists, dismissing their legitimacy with comments like, “One of them wasn’t even physically appealing,” and comparing Tanzania to “not a Maasai disco” to emphasize sovereignty.
Eliabariki Kingu (Singida West MP): Described Tanzania as “not a public toilet” for foreign activists to “come and go as they please”.
3. Zanzibar Female MPs puked the most viral expletives.
Zanzibar female MPs were the ones who used the most deroga terminologies to describe and insult the activists. Tauhida Gallos, women special seats Unguja West called them activists Kenge. Kenge is kiswahili word for lizards nut in this particular case sounded or aimed to refer to deadly Komodos1.
Tauhida Gallos has urged the police to destroy kenge inside Tanzania and outside. Really, as far as she is concerned we have ceased being human beings we are now caricatured as beasts of field since we have not aligned ourselves with the interests of our self seeking politicians. We are worthy being insulted. This is what she said and I am quoting her:
“….vyombo vya usalama shughulikieni na kenge wa ndani na nje mhakikishe mmewamaliza…”
Another Zanzibar female MP, Mary Omar Said, Panganj, Zanzibar advocated for extrajudicial means to teach the Ugandan and Kenyan activists a lifetime lesson that they may not repeat to interfere in Tanzania internal matters.
4. Context of the Term “Kenge”.
The term “kenge” was used by MPs making comparisons with “foreign agents,” or “ill-mannered individuals” aligns with the derogatory tone implied by the term.
5. Gwajima roasted in Parliament.
The user may have conflated President Samia’s role (as head of state) with parliamentary representatives or misattributed remarks from male MPs to a female counterpart.
Broader Considerations.
Tanzanian authorities, including the president and male MPs, have engaged in rhetoric and actions hostile to activists, particularly foreign observers like Boniface Mwangi (Kenya) and Agather Atuhaire (Uganda), who were detained, tortured, and deported.
Tanzanian activist, Maria Sarungi has been taking the fight in the Nordic countries with her recurring theme, TANZANIA BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE, NOT THOSE WHO TERRORIZE THEM”. In her docu-series, she has been making a case of Tanzania abseiling into lawlessness and targeted assaults against those who question government policy.
In the East African Court of Justice a ruling relevant to the matters of persecution of dissent and forceful removal of citizens of member countries has been issued, and Tanzania and Uganda frequently violate this decision.
In Samuel Mukira Mohochi vs The Attorney General of Uganda Republic this is what was decided:
The East African Court of Justice (EACJ) ruled in *Samuel Mukira Mohochi v. Attorney General of Uganda* (2013) that Uganda violated provisions of the East African Community (EAC) Treaty and the Common Market Protocol (CMP) by denying entry and deporting the applicant without due process. Here’s a breakdown of the key decisions and principles established in the case:
1. Violation of Free Movement Rights Under the EAC Treaty and Protocol.
Free Movement as a Fundamental Right:
The EACJ affirmed that freedom of movement for EAC citizens is a “sacred right” under Article 104 of the EAC Treaty and Article 7 of the CMP. These provisions obligate Partner States to guarantee entry, residence, and non-discrimination for citizens of other EAC states.
The court rejected Uganda’s argument that its sovereignty allowed unrestricted denial of entry. It emphasized that EAC law takes precedence over national immigration laws when they conflict with Treaty obligations.
Uganda failed to provide valid reasons for declaring Mohochi a “prohibited immigrant” or to notify other Partner States of the restriction, as required under Article 7(5) and 7(6) of the CMP.
2. Breach of Due Process and Rule of Law.
Denial of Fair Administrative Action:
The court ruled that Uganda violated Article 6(d) and 7(2) of the EAC Treaty, which mandate adherence to the rule of law, transparency, and good governance. Mohochi was denied entry without being informed of the reasons, given a hearing, or afforded an opportunity to challenge the decision.
The EACJ stressed that even under public policy exceptions (e.g., national security), Partner States must follow due process, including:
Providing clear reasons for denial of entry;
Allowing the affected person to respond;
Ensuring decisions are non-arbitrary.
3. Incompatibility of Uganda’s Immigration Law with EAC Obligations.
Section 52 of Uganda’s Citizenship and Immigration Control Act:
The court declared this provision inconsistent with the EAC Treaty and CMP. The law granted Uganda’s immigration authorities unchecked power to declare individuals “prohibited immigrants” without procedural safeguards, violating the principles of accountability and non-discrimination.
The ruling highlighted that while Partner States retain sovereignty over immigration, their laws must align with EAC obligations. Community law supersedes domestic legislation in matters of free movement .
4. Jurisdiction of the EACJ and Justiciability of Treaty Principles.
Treaty Principles as Actionable Obligations:
The court clarified that Article 6(d) and 7(2) of the EAC Treaty (on good governance, rule of law, and human rights) are not aspirational but legally enforceable. This expanded the EACJ’s role in adjudicating violations of both Treaty principles and Common Market rights.
The case set a precedent for litigating violations of economic freedoms (e.g., free movement) alongside human rights breaches under the EAC legal framework.
5. Implications for EAC Integration.
Balancing Sovereignty and Community Law:
The judgment reinforced that EAC Partner States’ sovereignty is qualified by their Treaty commitments. Immigration controls must comply with Community law, ensuring free movement while allowing limited, justified restrictions.
Strengthening the Common Market:
By affirming free movement as a right tied to economic integration, the ruling underscored the role of individuals as “market citizens” whose mobility benefits the EAC’s economic objectives.
Outcome.
The EACJ granted the applicant’s prayers, including:
1. Declarations that Uganda violated the EAC Treaty and Protocol;
2. A finding that Section 52 of Uganda’s Immigration Act was inconsistent with EAC law;
3. Costs awarded to the applicant.
This case remains a landmark in EAC jurisprudence, shaping how Partner States balance national interests with regional integration goals.
My Take:
As we are heading to the general elections, CCM MPs are the most vulnerable to fall to the sword as their unpopularity runs high. Given CCM sieving process favours sycophants no wonder majority of MPs have aligned themselves with lawlessness, misinformations and slurs to beep those who shortlist aspirants.
Outside the loop of power most of these MPs will suffer economically therefore they are fighting to keep their jobs. It explains why expletives are being tolerated without considering the House is being denigrated by character assassination of others who aren’t in the Parliament to defend themselves.
MPs have exhibited lack of digital skills by reckoning that authorities can rein in on cyberbullying and cyberattacks. Little did they know there is practically nothing they can do. Pulling the X plug has been countered by proliferation of use of VPN. it is what president Bill Clinton once counselled:
Tech is fought by tech. All sides of the equation are doubg errands.
It is imperative to remind all and sundry that Ugandan and Kenyan activists in Tanzania during Tundu Lissu court hearing didn’t commit any crime but were treated unlawfully, and the Parliament ought to be ashamed of herself for a failure to note just that. Had they violated Tanzania laws ought to hav been arraigned in court, they didn’t because they were innocent.
CCM MPs are displaying paranoia and the real reasons is their surging unpopularity. They praise the police because now their fortunes are strangely intertwined. Once CCM faĺls most top brass on the police will fall. Somehow, they have to cling together for better or for worse.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
- Komodos refer to Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis), the largest living lizard species, found exclusively on the islands of Indonesia. These reptiles are known for their size, reaching up to 10 feet in length and weighing up to 300 pounds. Komodo dragons are apex predators in their ecosystem and are considered endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and climate change. ↩︎
