4 ministers axed over ‘Tokomeza Ujangili’

I’m Done Here: Minister for Natural Resources and Tourism, Khamis Kagasheki, was the first to fall on his sword, taking to the podium moments before his boss to announce his intent to step down. PHOTO | EMMANUEL HERMAN

What you need to know:

  • Khamis Kagasheki (Natural Resources and Tourism), David Mathayo (Livestock and Fisheries), Emmanuel Nchimbi (Home Affairs) and Shamsi Vuai Nahodha (Defence and National Service) were shown the door earlier tonight following a day of contentious Bunge debates and increasing public outcry over their failure to rein-in inept, trigger-happy subordinates.  

Dar es Salaam/Dodoma. President Jakaya Kikwete has sacked four ministers for failing to effectively manage the infamous Operesheni Tokomeza Ujangili ­ - a government anti-poaching campaign which was suspended indefinitely due to claims of civilian abuse, torture, extortion and murder.

Khamis Kagasheki (Natural Resources and Tourism), David Mathayo (Livestock and Fisheries), Emmanuel Nchimbi (Home Affairs) and Shamsi Vuai Nahodha (Defence and National Service) were shown the door earlier tonight following a day of contentious Bunge debates and increasing public outcry over their failure to rein-in inept, trigger-happy subordinates.  

Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda admitted the way Operesheni Tokomeza Ujangili was run is rather appalling, and that many of the things done by those tasked with protecting Tanzania’s dwindling wildlife were simply “unacceptable.”

“We started out with the best of intentions,” Mr Pinda told a packed house. “However, it's clear there were major problems with how the [anti-poaching] program was managed.”

In a televised, all-day session that touched the hearts of lawmakers and observers alike, Members of Parliament shared horrid tales of how Operesheni Tokomeza was used to systematically break down, torture and murder innocent civilians.

More details to follow.