Wheel Seller Has Turned 18 Years Old

 

Adeladius Makwega – Kichanga Chui

MSASANI, DAR ES SALAAM

“I have witnessed two Gulf Wars,” Mwanakwetu recalls in a deep stream of thought. “The war of George Bush (Senior) between 1990 and 1991, when 35 Western nations supported the United States against Iraq under President Saddam Hussein in the Persian Gulf region. And later, the war of George Bush (Junior) in 2003, which led to Saddam Hussein being removed from power, captured, and eventually executed on 30 December 2006.”

From those global memories, his mind drifts back to the streets of Mbagala where he grew up. The original residents of that area once playfully renamed sections of it—Mbagala Kizinga, Mbagala Selenge, Mbagala Mission, and Mbagala kwa Diria—areas surrounding the Kizinga River—collectively referring to it as “Mbagala Baghdadi,” inspired by Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.

 

These thoughts resurfaced after he came across heated debates online—complaints, accusations, and insults directed at a certain family, particularly concerning the appearance of a young relative of a high-ranking Tanzanian leader during official national and international visits, alongside senior figures.

“This wheel seller—what is he doing in that delegation?” the voices echoed online. “If the wheel seller has been issued an official appointment letter bearing the seal of the the First Gentleman, then let it be made clear…”

Mwanakwetu paused in reflection. He began to wonder: are these grievances based on facts, or are they merely emotional reactions fueled by social perception? Are Tanzanians envying the wheel seller for accompanying Bi Mkubwa? For traveling by air from Dar es Salaam to Moscow? For staying in luxury hotels? For meeting global leaders, even shaking hands with the child of Maria Ivanovna Putina or Vladimir Spiridonovich Putin?

 

Indeed, the wheel seller must understand that society carries many questions regarding his presence in such a delegation.

“In public service,” he reflects, “a child under 18 is entitled to accompany a parent under certain privileges. But this wheel seller is already above that age. So why is he still part of this delegation without clear explanation? If there is a special appointment letter, then let it be made public.”

Mwanakwetu again recalls the Gulf War and its devastating consequences for Iraq—so severe that even in places like Mbagala, people humorously adopted the name “Baghdadi” to reflect global political shockwaves.

His thoughts then turn to Saddam Hussein’s family. History records his two well-known sons:

Uday Hussein (1964–2003), the eldest son, known for his influence in sports, media, and military units. He led the Iraqi Youth Organization and the Fedayeen Saddam militia. He was associated with numerous violent incidents and was severely injured during an assassination attempt in 1996.

Qusay Hussein (1966–2003), the younger son, considered Saddam’s chosen successor. He controlled Iraq’s security and intelligence apparatus until he was killed in Mosul on 22 July 2003 during a U.S. military operation.

Saddam Hussein also had three daughters—Raghad, Rana, and Hala—whose lives were drastically changed after the fall of their father’s regime.

His marriages included Sajida Talfah, his first wife and cousin, and Samira Shahbandar, his second wife. After the collapse of Iraq’s regime, members of the family scattered across exile and secrecy, with some reportedly living in Jordan and other undisclosed locations.

All these historical reflections circle back in Mwanakwetu’s mind as he reads public reactions about a so-called “wheel seller” who has suddenly found himself at the center of political and social attention.

Then he concludes with a firm reflection:

When you engage in politics as a parent, remember—you alone are the politician, not your children or your family. Separate politics from family life. In doing so, you protect your household and the future of your generations.

For those who remember the days of Charles Makongoro Nyerere during his time in NCCR–Mageuzi under Augustine Mrema, he moved among citizens freely and without fear. But today, children of prominent leaders may find themselves in a very different social and political environment.

Mwanakwetu believes one thing clearly: families connected to politics must exercise caution, and society deserves transparency without concealment.

“The wheel seller has turned 18 years old.”

Wishing you a good day.

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