Chaumma co-founder Eugen Kabendera resigns over party’s new direction

Dar es Salaam. Veteran cadre and co-founder of Chaumma, Mr Eugen Kabendera, has announced his resignation, citing the party’s shift in direction following an influx of former Chadema members.

On Tuesday, May 27, 2025, Mr Kabendera, who served in Chaumma for the last 13 years, revealed he was stepping down, blaming the party’s altered trajectory after senior ex-Chadema officials were admitted.

In an exclusive interview with The Citizen’s sister newspaper, Mwananchi during a visit to Mwananchi Communications Limited (MCL) offices located in Tabata Relini, Dar es Salaam, Mr Kabendera explained his decision to walk away.

“Let me tell you, the majority always rules. With their numbers, they’ll push their own agenda and neglect the principles on which Chaumma was founded. I don’t want to become an internal adversary in my party, so I’ve chosen to step aside and let them proceed,” Mr Kabendera said.

Party leadership responds

Reacting to the resignation, Chaumma’s newly appointed Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), Mr Benson Kigaila, rejected Kabendera’s concerns, stating that the arrival of the “G55” group from Chadema would not derail the party’s direction.

“We didn’t join Chaumma to bring Chadema’s agenda. We’ll operate strictly within Chaumma’s constitution. Our role is to interpret and strengthen existing policies,” said Mr Kigaila.

But Mr Kabendera argued that the incoming group had grown dominant, with many occupying senior positions.

“This means they now wield major influence in shaping the party’s plans and driving their execution. I’m now seeking a political platform aligned with individuals who are truly focused on taking power,” he said.

“If Chaumma believes its current path will help it capture power, they’re free to proceed. But for me, I no longer see light at the end of the tunnel,” he added.

G55’s entry into Chaumma

Mr Kabendera claimed he was neither consulted nor informed about the admission of former Chadema members, saying he only learnt about their arrival through social media.

“I believe I wasn’t consulted because I was just an ordinary member. I only saw them being officially welcomed on May 19, 2025,” said Mr Kabendera.

He said since their admission, the newcomers had focused more on vying for parliamentary positions than confronting the country’s pressing challenges. Their approach, he said, contradicted Chaumma’s founding philosophy.

Mr Rungwe’s response

Chaumma chairman Hashim Rungwe responded to Kabendera’s remarks, saying every political decision has its time.

“Before we accepted hundreds of cadres from Chadema, I consulted other leaders. But Kabendera wasn’t among those informed,” Rungwe said.

“When I first got wind of their possible move, I discussed it with other leaders, and we agreed to release the positions they requested,” he added.

Mr Rungwe also noted that Kabendera had not been actively involved since September 2024, when he stopped participating after being appointed party spokesperson.

Focus on parliamentary seats

Mr Kabendera criticised the new entrants for their fixation on parliamentary ambitions, saying they had sidelined Chaumma’s original mission to amplify citizens’ voices and propose solutions.

“People are being crushed by predatory loan schemes and youth unemployment. Those are the real issues that need urgent attention. That is the purpose of a true liberation party,” he said.

He added that not everyone is destined to be an MP, stressing that the role is about public representation—not entitlement.

“Many social issues remain unaddressed. Real change comes from improving people’s lives and lifting them out of poverty,” he said.

Recalling the ‘rice policy’

Mr Kabendera fondly recalled Chaumma’s 2015 “rice policy”, which proposed free meals in schools and hospitals.

“We knew this would resonate with the masses who go to bed hungry. Hungry children can’t learn, and patients in public hospitals should be fed by the government. We emphasised this repeatedly,” he said.

Seeking a new platform

Mr Kabendera stressed he does not wish to be a stumbling block to the party’s new direction and is now reflecting on his next political move.

“I’ll join a party that aligns with my beliefs—a party that genuinely stands for the people. Tanzania has 19 political parties; everyone has the right to choose where they belong,” he said.

He added that he could not remain in a party that had strayed from its core ideals.

On his silence

Mr Kabendera rejected claims of inactivity, pointing out that he attended the most recent Central Committee meeting in February 2025.

“How is that silence? It’s now May, and I was present in February. What definition of silence are they using?”

He said he respected the majority’s decision to accept the new members, and that ignaled his time to exit.

What he’s proud of

Mr Kabendera said he remains proud to have been a founding member of Chaumma, where his political journey began.

“That’s something I’ll always take pride in. I dedicated so much time, especially during gruelling election periods. Fielding a presidential candidate isn’t easy,” he said.

He noted that Chaumma successfully contested in both Mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar, with the help of committed members.

“We fielded parliamentary candidates and earned our place. We ranked sixth among the 19 registered political parties,” he added.

Despite lacking government funding, Mr Kabendera said the party had survived thanks to well-wishers.

“We also had strong ties with the media, including Mwananchi Communications Limited,” he said.

Message to Rungwe

Mr Kabendera paid tribute to Rungwe, describing him as a mentor and father figure beyond party politics.

“Our relationship grew beyond politics. He taught me invaluable lessons about leadership and life itself,” he said.

He praised Rungwe as a resilient businessman and fighter who always urged him to persevere.

Still in politics

Regarding his future, Mr Kabendera said he remains politically active and committed to change.

“I’m still young, and my mission for real transformation in Tanzania continues. I’m just searching for a party reflecting my vision for now. Let Chaumma follow its course,” he said.

Mr Kigaila’s take

In his interview with Mwananchi Communications Limited, Mr Kigaila said the decision to join Chaumma had been made in consultation with the leadership and would only strengthen the party.

“Yes, our group is large. But if those who held the party before couldn’t grow it, they shouldn’t resent those bringing growth. A bigger team builds a stronger party,” he said.