Have you ever wondered about the mysterious silence of Ibrahim M. Mshana, famously known as Roma Mkatoliki, after his harrowing kidnapping? Why has this celebrated rapper remained silent about his ordeal, even after regaining his freedom?
His silence weaves a mystery as deep and perplexing as the ancient tales of Lucifer’s rebellion in heaven. This story continues to capture our imaginations and haunt our collective curiosity.
No words can fully capture the enigma surrounding the abduction of Mohamed Dewji, the renowned businessman and CEO of METL. What drove this shocking event? What did his captors truly seek—ransom, retribution, or something more elusive?
Equally perplexing are the fates of Ben Saanane and the unidentified victims found in sacks along the shorelines. These mysteries tug at the very soul, leaving us grappling for answers in a sea of unsettling questions.
Writing is a battleground, not just of words, but of wills. What if my truths push them to hunt me down, as they have others before me? Let them come. I stand unafraid.
We often hear of activists, politicians, and civil servants who dare to criticize the government and yet miraculously evade the system’s darker retaliations. Consider Fatma Karume and Luhaga Mpina—neither abducted nor targeted for assassination, their challenges have been subtler yet significant.
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Their financial stability has been shaken, and their networks of friends and colleagues have eroded in mysterious ways. While these figures possess notable influence and support, not all who speak out are so fortunate—many face far graver consequences.
Many national and international figures, including activists, barristers, media personnel, politicians, senior civil servants, lecturers, and diplomats, were relieved by former President John Pombe Magufuli’s death. They celebrated, believing that the authoritarian regime and its oppressive tactics had vanished for good.
However, this belief was premature. What truly empowered the regime was a flawed constitution and a political party that monopolized state power, capitalizing on the majority’s ignorance and decades of experience in manipulating the political landscape since independence.
The 4Rs introduced by the current President, Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, promised a cure for a despaired soul. They fooled international barrister and activist Fatma Karume into congratulating President Samia on her groundbreaking steps to restore democracy and the rule of law. Time proved us all wrong to trust in her for the restoration of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. She was one with Magufuli, and she has forever chosen his path.
The leader of the CHADEMA Youth Council in the Temeke district, along with Deusdedith Soka, Jacob Mlay, and Frank Mbise—determined and influential young leaders—have suddenly disappeared, and alarmingly, there seems to be little concern for their whereabouts.
These young leaders have been pivotal in inspiring the youth of Temeke District and across Tanzania. They urge their peers to demand accountability from the government and champion human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. They have emerged as the heroes the country has long awaited.
Any harm to them threatens our nation’s fabric and ignites a resolve in others, like me, who will tirelessly work to realise their vision for a just Tanzania.
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Why is it so difficult for African governments to heed the voices of their people? Why should citizens fear the very government they elected to represent them? How can those involved in mysterious abductions forget that they, too, are sons and daughters of someone, merely exercising their rightful roles as leaders of the CHADEMA Youth Wing?
CCM, not the people, chose multiparty democracy. If indeed for the people, why then resort to abductions, killings, and even more heinous acts to ensure loyalty? As a developing nation, we should treasure youths like Soka, Mbise, and Mlay. Our education system has produced far too many who conform without question, making the emergence of such proactive, courageous individuals a blessing not just for Tanzania but for Africa.
I have three theories to explain the mysterious tragedy that might stabilize the peace and harmony that the founders of this nation have built for years.
The mysterious disappearance of Soka, Mlay, and Mbise could be linked to two main theories involving local government authorities. First, it’s speculated that local officials, possibly including the chairman and trustees, orchestrated these abductions out of fear of losing the upcoming local government elections.
The well-documented close relationship between the ruling party and police forces often lends itself to such tactics, although, in this case, official police involvement is not confirmed.
The second theory suggests that while the police were not directly involved, local government authorities might have hired unknown militant personnel to carry out the abductions. This would be a strategy to safeguard their political positions without direct traces back to law enforcement.
In the intricate web of politics, trust is a luxury few can afford. The dark reality is that anyone, regardless of political affiliation, could orchestrate an abduction. However, with CCM at the helm of power, it often finds itself at the center of accusations regarding human rights violations and abductions.
This unsettling scenario is reinforced by a potent theory explored in my earlier article, which delves into the intersections of ritual, superstition, and politics.
It suggests a grim truth: police forces might never unveil the true perpetrators behind these abductions. This could be because they either protect these individuals, knowing them all too well or because the culprits are the officers’ superiors, cloaked in authority and secrecy.
