THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GIVE-AND-TAKE ARRANGEMENT WHEN IT SERVES TO JUSTIFY CORRUPTION

Adeladius Makwega — Mbagala

 

I was on a bus travelling from Chamwino Ikulu towards the city centre of Dodoma. That morning, I was feeling extremely sleepy, even though it was still early. I suspected that the heat of the previous night in Dodoma town was the reason.

 

The journey continued as the bus radio played Famille Kikuta, a song by the late General Defao, faintly in the background. Our driver was moving very slowly. I began to wonder whether the bus was an old, worn-out vehicle! Honestly, I boarded at Chamwino Ikulu at 6:36 a.m., yet we arrived at Mtumba at 7:58 a.m. A journey that, in my estimation, should have taken 20 minutes had lasted more than an hour.

 

Eventually, we reached the Government City stop, where several smartly dressed passengers got off.

 

Inside the bus, some passengers were speaking Kigogo while others were speaking Kiswahili. Meanwhile, another song by General Defao was playing, although I could not identify its title.

 

Suddenly, a man began playing a video on his phone. I suspected that the video featured a national leader of the CCM Youth League (UVCCM), although I could not identify his name. However, the message in the video was clear:

 

“Leaders, stop intimidating young people. We will fight against all leaders who have a habit of intimidating young people.”

 

Beside me, another man began speaking loudly enough for those around him to hear:

 

“Deshi Deshi of Rufiji should stop acting arrogantly. The son-in-law of this woman should not think that CCM belongs to him. Why, Deshi Deshi of Msoga once told the Parliament of the United Republic of Tanzania:

‘If you want to eat, you must allow yourself to be eaten a little… if you refuse to be eaten a little, you will never eat.’

“You know, Deshi Deshi of Msoga has some interesting ways! When did he make that statement? He said it in Parliament, but I cannot remember exactly,” he said, referring to Deshi Deshi of Kilosa.

 

Mwanakwetu was still on the bus, and the journey continued. He listened attentively to the conversation among his fellow passengers.

 

Finally, at 8:37 a.m., he reached his stop and got off, leaving the passengers behind to continue discussing the same subject:

“Deshi Deshi of Msoga, Deshi Deshi of Rufiji, Deshi Deshi of Kilosa… and if you want to eat, you must allow yourself to be eaten a little; if you refuse to be eaten a little, you will never eat.”

 

Mwanakwetu adjusted his bag, placed it on his back, crossed at the pedestrian crossing, and continued on his way.

 

What Does Mwanakwetu Have to Say to His Relatives in Mbagala and Ikangao?

 

Based on my interpretation of the conversation I overheard on the bus, I believe the person being criticised by those passengers is the Minister of Health, Honourable Mohammed Mchengerwa, who is also the Member of Parliament for Rufiji in 2026.

Meanwhile, the nickname Deshi Deshi of Msoga in this account refers to Honourable Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, the fourth President of the United Republic of Tanzania. Deshi Deshi of Rufiji refers to Mohammed Mchengerwa, while Deshi Deshi of Kilosa refers to Honourable Mustapha Nkulo, who served as Tanzania's Minister of Finance in 2008.

 

The statement under discussion is:

“If you want to eat, you must allow yourself to be eaten a little… if you refuse to be eaten a little, you will never eat.”

 

This statement has been associated with various political speeches and conversations involving President Kikwete. Some people interpret it as a philosophy of give-and-take, or compromise, in life, business, investment, and social or economic relationships.

 

In business and investment, this interpretation may suggest that gaining a profit or opportunity requires accepting certain costs and making investments. In the circulation of money, it may describe how economic activities involve both giving and receiving. In negotiations, it may mean that parties sometimes have to make concessions to reach an agreement.

 

However, Mwanakwetu believes that this statement raises serious concerns when connected to leadership, access to political positions, and the fight against corruption.

 

If the argument is about give-and-take, what can a person who has nothing to give offer in order to obtain their rights?

Should a poor citizen accept being denied an opportunity simply because they lack money, influence, or something to offer those in authority?

 

How Can This Statement Be Interpreted in the Context of Corruption?

 

Mwanakwetu warns that the statement, “If you refuse to be eaten a little, you will never eat,” could, in certain political circumstances, be used to justify corruption, favouritism, and systems that benefit those who can offer money or other advantages while disadvantaging ordinary citizens.

 

If someone comes to believe that they cannot become a councillor without paying a bribe, or cannot become a Member of Parliament without offering something to influential people, then we must ask ourselves: Does our political system give citizens opportunities based on their ability, integrity, and qualifications, or on their capacity to provide money and other benefits to others?

 

The argument here is not that everyone who contests for political office pays bribes, nor that everyone who obtains a leadership position has done so illegally. Rather, the concern is that any environment that leads people to believe corruption is a prerequisite for political success deserves serious scrutiny.

 

Corruption does not involve money alone. It may also include gifts, promises of benefits, or the allocation of positions intended to improperly influence a decision. However, not every gift, appointment, or social relationship constitutes corruption. The circumstances and purpose of the particular act must be considered.

 

Therefore, where allegations arise that leadership positions are obtained through corruption, the relevant authorities have a duty to examine the evidence and take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

What Is TAKUKURU's Responsibility in the Fight Against Corruption?

Mwanakwetu has a question for the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), known in Kiswahili as TAKUKURU.

 

Why do some citizens believe that anti-corruption efforts should be visible at every level, from junior government employees to political systems and processes for selecting leaders?

 

Are allegations of corruption in the internal processes of political parties, including primary elections, investigated with the seriousness they deserve?

TAKUKURU, during CCM's internal primary elections, do you carry out your duties with the same level of commitment expected in other areas?

 

An institution responsible for combating corruption should operate professionally and impartially, without political favouritism, and investigate allegations that warrant investigation under the law.

 

The idea of give-and-take must not become an excuse for continuing to oppress the poor, justify favouritism, or make corruption appear to be a normal part of political life.

 

Young people should be taught that political success must be built on integrity, ability, accountability, and respect for the law, rather than on giving or receiving improper benefits.

 

Mwanakwetu tells his relatives in Ikangao and Mbagala that justice must not become a commodity available only to those who can afford to pay for it.

 

Every citizen should have the opportunity to contest for leadership based on the qualifications required by law, without being compelled to pay bribes. Public servants should perform their duties without expecting unlawful payments. Leaders should make decisions in the public interest, not in the interests of those who have given them money or other benefits.

 

If we accept the idea that a person must agree to be “eaten a little” in order to succeed, we risk making corruption appear to be an ordinary cost of achieving success.

 

In Mwanakwetu's view, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete's statement, “If you want to eat, you must allow yourself to be eaten a little… if you refuse to be eaten a little, you will never eat,” contributed to making justice appear like a commodity in a marketplace, available for purchase by those with money and influence. When associated with politics, the statement can create the perception that a person must offer something in return to obtain the justice or leadership opportunity to which they are entitled.

 

Mwanakwetu insists that justice is not a commodity for sale, and leadership does not belong to the wealthy. Tanzania should build a system that values integrity and equality rather than allowing corruption to become a pathway to opportunity. Justice must not be bought; it is an entitlement of every citizen, without favouritism.

Mwanakwetu, are you there? Remember:

“THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A GIVE-AND-TAKE ARRANGEMENT WHEN IT SERVES TO JUSTIFY CORRUPTION.”

I wish you a pleasant day.

makwadeladius@gmail.com

+255 717 649 257