Political realignments begin as Bulaya, Kaboyoka join CCM, ACT-Wazalendo
What you need to know:
- The two are among 19 Special Seats MPs who took a controversial oath at the parliamentary grounds on November 30, 2020—a move that sparked a major fallout with their party, Chadema.
Dar es Salaam. Following the dissolution of the 12th Parliament by President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the fate of Chadema’s Special Seats MPs has begun to unfold, with two defecting to the ruling CCM and ACT-Wazalendo.
Ms Ester Bulaya made a bold move by joining CCM and announced her intention to collect forms for the Bunda Urban parliamentary seat, while her colleague, Ms Nanghejwa Kaboyoka, formally announced her decision to join the opposition party ACT-Wazalendo.
The two are among 19 Special Seats MPs who took a controversial oath at the parliamentary grounds on November 30, 2020—a move that sparked a major fallout with their party, Chadema.
Chadema accused the MPs of defying a directive to boycott government activities, citing widespread irregularities in the 2019 Civic Polls and the October 28, 2020, General Election.
However, Parliament, under the then-Speaker Job Ndugai, maintained that the swearing-in had been authorised by top Chadema officials.
The remaining 17 MPs whose political intentions remain unclear include Ms Halima Mdee, former Tarime Urban MP Esther Matiko, Grace Tendega, Cecilia Pareso, Jesca Kishoa, Anatropia Theonest, and Salome Makamba.
Others are Conchesta Rwamlaza, Hawa Mwaifunga, Tunza Malapo, Agnes Kaiza, Asia Mohamed, Nustrat Hanje, Felister Njau, Stella Fiayo, Kunti Majala, and Sophia Mwakagenda.
With the dissolution of Parliament signalling the start of the electoral process, political analysts are watching closely to see whether the remaining MPs will quit politics, rejoin CCM, or defect to other opposition parties.
On Saturday, June 28, 2025, former Tarime Urban MP Esther Matiko officially rejoined CCM and declared her intention to collect nomination forms to seek the party’s endorsement for the Bunda Urban seat in Mara Region.
Ms Bulaya, who previously served as a CCM MP from 2010 to 2015 before joining Chadema ahead of the 2015 General Election, won the Bunda Urban seat by defeating veteran politician Stephen Wasira.
“I am a grown woman—I’ve already returned home and received my membership card quietly. Starting today, I will collect nomination forms to contest the Bunda Urban seat,” she said.
Her return is expected to intensify political competition in Bunda Urban as CCM gears up for its party primaries ahead of the 2025 General Election.
Bulaya’s return to the party she once left highlights the ongoing shifts within Tanzania’s political landscape, particularly among prominent figures who were previously aligned with the opposition.
In a separate development, veteran Chadema politician and former Same East MP Nanghejwa Kaboyoka officially joined ACT-Wazalendo on Saturday.
Ms Kaboyoka was formally received into the party by ACT-Wazalendo leader Dorothy Semu, signalling yet another realignment among prominent opposition figures in the lead-up to the polls.
She received her membership card during a brief ceremony attended by senior party officials.
She now joins other recent defectors to ACT-Wazalendo, including Sheikh Ponda Issa Ponda, Emmanuel Ntobi, Grory Taus—also formerly of Chadema—and Maftaha Nachuma, a former CUF deputy chairperson (Mainland) and ex-MP for Mtwara Urban.
During the welcoming event, Ms Semu hailed Kaboyoka as a principled and courageous leader with a longstanding reputation for integrity in public service.
“Today we celebrate Mama Kaboyoka—a trailblazer, a brave woman, and a dedicated public servant. She is known for standing firm, speaking truth to power, and promoting accountability and the welfare of citizens,” said Semu.
Ms Kaboyoka previously chaired Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) for a decade, earning wide respect for her role in enhancing public sector accountability.
Speaking after receiving her ACT-Wazalendo membership card, Ms Kaboyoka said her decision to join the party was inspired by the support of her constituents and former councillors.
“I’m not joining ACT-Wazalendo alone—I come with the people. My former councillors and our community are with me. We’re moving forward together,” she said.
She added, “I’m joining this party with serious intent. I’m not here to play games. I bring with me a strong vision and sense of purpose that will guide us as we work towards building a better future,” added Ms Kaboyoka.
Ms Kaboyoka said she was drawn to ACT-Wazalendo for its discipline, values, and readiness to assume national leadership.
She described the party as one that promotes dignity and puts the interests of Tanzanians first.
She also reflected on the challenges she faced following her expulsion from Chadema.
“People used to insult me, calling me ‘Covid-19’, but I chose not to respond. I remained silent because I’m a person of dignity and self-respect. I’m proud to have joined a party that embodies those same values,” she said.
Why ACT-Wazalendo?
Explaining her reasons for joining ACT-Wazalendo, Ms Kaboyoka said the party is best positioned to lead the country, praising its leadership for remaining politically active during difficult times.
“I thank ACT-Wazalendo for choosing not to boycott elections. The party stayed in the struggle, promoting its policies from within the system. Come October 2025, I believe we will surprise the world. I have joined ACT-Wazalendo because I believe it is the party that will deliver real change,” she said.
ACT-Wazalendo Deputy Secretary-General (Mainland), Ms Ester Thomas, said Ms Kaboyoka’s arrival is part of a growing trend of seasoned leaders joining the party.
“Our party has become a haven for many, which is why we continue to attract new members from across the country,” she said.
