IN a shocking act of violence that has sent tremors through Tanzania’s political landscape, Ally Kibao, a senior official of the main opposition party CHADEMA, was brutally murdered following a brazen daylight abduction. This horrific incident, as reported by Reuters and local sources, has not only stunned the nation but also cast a long shadow over President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s reformist agenda.
The chilling sequence of events unfolded near the Kibo area in Tegeta, Dar es Salaam, as Kibao travelled on a Tashriff bus from Dar es Salaam to Tanga. In a scene reminiscent of a carefully orchestrated operation, two vehicles – a white Land Cruiser and a saloon car – blocked the bus from both ends. Armed men emerged, forcing the driver to stop. Two assailants boarded the bus, handcuffed Kibao, and forcibly removed him. Eyewitnesses reported that another passenger, suspected to be working with the abductors, also disembarked with the armed men.
The following day, Kibao’s body was discovered on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam, bearing unmistakable signs of torture. CHADEMA chairman Freeman Mbowe revealed the gruesome details: “The post-mortem shows that Ally Kibao was killed after being severely beaten and even having acid poured on his face.”
Kibao was more than just a political figure; he was a father of five and a veteran who had served his country with distinction. His military career included service in the 1979 Uganda-Tanzania war, after which he transitioned into business and politics, holding various roles in his hometown of Tanga.
The brutality of this attack has sent shockwaves through Tanzania’s political sphere and beyond. The Legal and Human Rights Centre demanded a transparent investigation and called on the Minister of Home Affairs to explain measures being taken to prevent such incidents. They also urged President Samia to condemn the abductions publicly.
Responding to the outcry, President Samia took to social media platform X, expressing her sadness over Kibao’s murder and extending condolences to his family and CHADEMA leadership. She stated, “I have instructed the investigative bodies to provide a detailed report on this tragic event and others like it immediately. Our country is democratic, and every citizen has the right to live. The government that I lead does not tolerate such cruel acts.”
The police have announced that a major crime investigation team from the DCI has been dispatched to strengthen the ongoing investigation, promising to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The human toll of this tragedy was poignantly expressed by Kibao’s family. His younger brother, speaking on behalf of the family, shared Kibao’s final wishes for his funeral to be held in Sahari, Tanga, with burial at the family home in Pangani. “We are in shock. We first heard of his abduction online, and later, we learned that he was killed,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.
On social media, one of Kibao’s sons, also named Ali Kibao, painted a touching portrait of his father: “Our father didn’t seek fame or greatness. His pride was his children and grandchildren. He was a man of principles, stubborn but steadfast.” He added a heart-wrenching plea: “Is this the kind of country we want for Tanzanians? They didn’t just abduct him. They tortured him, damaged his body, and dumped him like a dog. No human deserves such cruelty.”
This horrific murder comes at a critical juncture for Tanzania, as President Hassan attempts to distance herself from the repressive tactics of her predecessor, John Magufuli. However, the brazen nature of this crime, coupled with recent crackdowns on opposition activities, raises serious questions about the depth and sincerity of these reforms.
As Tanzania grapples with the aftermath of this shocking crime, the international community watches closely. The brutal murder of Ally Kibao serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggles faced by opposition voices in many parts of Africa. It challenges the narrative of democratic progress in Tanzania and demands a response that goes beyond mere words.
The acid-scarred face of Ally Kibao has become a haunting symbol of the challenges that lie ahead for Tanzania – a nation torn between the promise of reform and the brutal realities of political violence. As investigations unfold and tensions simmer, the world waits to see whether justice will prevail or if this heinous act will mark a return to the dark days of repression in this East African nation.
