Kenani Kihongosi Must Respond to Allegations of Involvement in the Abduction of Mdude Nyagalii

 

Adeladius Makwega – Mbagala

There was a time when Mwanakwetu narrated a story about Tanzanians who were attending a bridal send-off ceremony. At that ceremony several leaders were present, and a discussion at one table focused on Paul Makonda, who at the time was a Regional Commissioner, and Jokate Mwangelo, who was the District Commissioner of Kisarawe.

“These young people are still very young, yet they are highly favored. They are promoted very quickly even though they have many weaknesses. Their weaknesses are not seen, while those of others are noticed. They keep being promoted a lot. This is not right. The most important thing is that we pray for life.”

The discussion at that table became very intense. Some other remarks were also raised, and let me say them with respect — they were not meant as insults:

“Jokate is still a young woman. She still needs to have a partner, someone who loves her, to have a husband and children. She has not even reached menopause yet. In the district there are many challenges where greater life experience, like that of a more mature person, could help in making sound decisions.”

Later on, Mwanakwetu witnessed Ms. Mwangelo being promoted even further. He said to himself:

“Since there are many District Commissioners, is Jokate Mwangelo truly the best female District Commissioner in this country? Is she really the only one? Why was she made Secretary General of UWT at that age? These people are highly favored, and there must be a reason… we should just pray for life. But they should know this country did not begin today—during the time of Julius Nyerere such things did not exist.”

Indeed, after that wedding Jokate moved through several positions until she became Secretary General of UVCCM. Meanwhile Paul Makonda also moved through several positions: he became CCM’s National Publicity Secretary, then Regional Commissioner of Arusha, then left that position to run for Parliament. He became a Deputy Minister for Information and shortly afterward became the Minister of Information, Culture, Arts and Sports.

 

In Mwanakwetu’s mind, when Makonda was promoted to full minister, it reminded him of that old ceremony attended by many leaders:

“These young people are still young, but they are favored and promoted very quickly. Even though they have many weaknesses, their weaknesses are not seen while those of others are. They will continue to rise quickly…”

If the argument were experience in this ministry, Athumani Mwinyi Juma (Mwana FA) would have been a more appropriate person to be promoted to full minister in this public institution, because he has been there for a long time. Mwanakwetu also recognizes that Mwana FA is a very calm and composed young man.

When you give a leadership position to a mature person, the wisdom gained from life experiences guides them well. There are good young people like Mwana FA who should be given opportunities. But young people like Paul Makonda should be treated with caution. We need respectful young leaders like Mwana FA—calm at work, carrying out their duties responsibly when assigned. Why does Paul Makonda arrive and immediately rise through the ranks so quickly?

What does Paul Makonda know that other Tanzanians do not?

“What is it that gives Makonda the opportunity to rise so quickly even though society has had many complaints about a person with that name? Ever since he punched retired Judge Joseph Sinde Warioba?”

All these thoughts were going through Mwanakwetu’s mind as he reflected on our nation, Tanzania.

 

These reflections were triggered recently when allegations emerged against the current CCM National Publicity Secretary, Kenani Kihongosi, accusing him of being the one who abducted Mdude Nyagali. When Mwanakwetu heard these statements, he listened carefully while expecting Kihongosi to respond to the accusations. At the same time, he compared Kihongosi to the two young leaders mentioned earlier who rose quickly in a short period while their competence in their assigned positions is difficult to see.

Who exactly sees this competence and promotes them so quickly when there are many Tanzanians with strong qualifications?

In truth, Mwanakwetu believes Kenani Kihongosi has significant weaknesses, including the inability to properly represent CCM (Chama Cha Mapinduzi). It appears he does not fully understand the party’s ideology and principles—even if he once held a leadership position in UVCCM, it seems he was merely building his résumé rather than learning the party’s beliefs.

Another weakness is that he cannot speak for himself. If you cannot defend yourself, how can you speak for an institution like CCM?

Regarding the Mdude case, some Tanzanians believe Mdude Nyagali is still alive, while others believe he was killed—especially considering the blood reportedly found scattered in his house on the day of the incident. You, the CCM Publicity Secretary, are accused of abducting him. Do you think this is a good accusation for you? Is it a good accusation for your family? For your wife’s relatives? For your children? For the institution you work for?

If you were a strong spokesperson for CCM, like the late Ditopile Mzuzuri, you would have come forward to respond to these allegations with evidence and clarify where you were at the time of the incident.

“After responding to the accusations, the ruling party would have instructed the government to place under investigation all officials who held positions in Mbeya Region—from district to regional level—at the time Mdude was abducted. Within a month, the investigation would have identified those responsible.”

Kenani Kihongosi must understand that the position of CCM’s National Secretary for Ideology and Publicity is not a forest where one can hide. Even those who pray with you may see you during worship and wonder:

“Is this young man—our fellow believer, the one we pray with—the one who abducted Mdude Nyagali?”

This, my reader, was the reflection of Mwanakwetu that came to his mind today and that he decided to put into writing.

So what is Mwanakwetu saying today?

First, wherever Kenani Kihongosi is, he must come out and respond to these accusations since his name is being mentioned.

Second, as Mwanakwetu—a CCM member—says:

“The position of CCM’s National Secretary for Ideology and Publicity is not a small position in the party or the government, especially since CCM is the ruling party. The CCM leadership must sit down and discuss this issue ethically. The party’s National Ethics Committee must also examine the matter: Did Kihongosi really commit this abduction? Where was he on the day of the incident? What do the investigative authorities know about the abduction of Mdude Nyagali?”

Doing so would not only clear Kenani Kihongosi but also distance CCM from accusations of criminal, barbaric, and disgraceful acts in a civilized nation.

Third, Kihongosi himself should recognize that Mwanakwetu has compared him to Jokate Mwangelo and Paul Makonda. Although they have faced various allegations, these accusations have often been ignored and nothing substantial has been done.

We must understand that the positions they hold do not belong to them personally. They are not positions belonging to the person who appoints them. They belong to CCM members and to all Tanzanians. Therefore, any complaints must be addressed.

That is why, as this article is being completed, another fellow Tanzanian—also a CCM member—who once served as CCM’s National Secretary for Ideology and Publicity and campaign manager for John Pombe Magufuli’s presidential campaign, Humphrey Polepole, has reportedly been abducted and his whereabouts remain unknown, with no discussion about it to this day.

 

These are shameful matters. Is the abductor within CCM?

Where is the abductor?

Who is the abductor?

There should be no hiding behind the party’s green-and-yellow colors. These questions must be answered.

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:

“Kenani Kihongosi Must Respond to Allegations of Involvement in the Abduction of Mdude Nyagali.”

Have a good day.

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