Tanzanian MPs Mpina, Makamba speak out after being dropped from CCM race

Mpina, who has held the Kisesa seat since 2005, and Makamba, who has represented Bumbuli since 2010, were among 4,109 aspirants who collected nomination forms for 272 constituencies in mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar. However, the party’s vetting process saw 2,630 candidates, including them, dropped.

This development means neither Mpina nor Makamba will contest for constituency seats under CCM, unless selected through one of the 10 presidential nomination slots.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister publication, Mwananchi on Wednesday, July 30, Mr Mpina said he accepted the decision of the party’s Central Committee and had nothing further to add.

“What else can I say when my party has already decided? Yes, I am a politician, but this is a party decision. There’s nothing more I can say,” he said.

Asked whether he would consider joining another political party, Mr Mpina dismissed the notion, reiterating his loyalty to CCM.

“This is the CCM platform, and the party has spoken. Why would I look for another one?” said Mr Mpina, who once served as Minister for Livestock and Fisheries.

For his part, Mr Makamba also acknowledged the committee’s decision, saying it was part of the democratic process within the party.

“Once you choose to be a CCM member, you agree to abide by its procedures and decisions,” said Mr Makamba, adding that he took the decision in good faith and would support its implementation.

Responding to speculation that he was dropped due to his alleged presidential ambitions, Mr Makamba dismissed the claims, stating that such matters are guided by divine will.

“I don’t believe there is any link between this decision and presidential ambitions. We have accepted the outcome, and in Bumbuli we are working to ensure the nomination process proceeds smoothly,” he said.

He urged his supporters to cooperate with the party and avoid any disruptions that could be misconstrued as dissent.

“If you truly support me, please help ensure everything goes smoothly,” he added.

Mr Makamba, son of former CCM Secretary General Yusuf Makamba, said the most challenging part was explaining the situation to his children, who, being of the Generation Z cohort, had many questions.

“They don’t understand politics, so it was a challenge to explain it to them,” he said.

He also found it difficult to inform his father, who suffers from high blood pressure.

“You know, as a parent grows older, they want to see their children succeed. If he feels I’ve been humiliated, it hurts him,” said Mr Makamba.

He added that he had received numerous calls and messages, including those encouraging him to find comfort in spiritual texts from the Bible and the Quran.

Loyal to CCM

Besides Mr Mpina and Mr Makamba, Musoma Urban MP Vedasto Manyinyi and Ndanda MP Cecil Mwambe have also been excluded from the nomination race.

Mr Manyinyi said he had decided to take a five-year break from politics, citing age and fatigue.

“At my age, I have nothing else to do at this point other than to rest. I will remain a loyal member of the party,” he said.

When asked if he intended to contest through another party, Mr Manyinyi ruled out the possibility.

“There’s no other party I could consider. I’ll stay in CCM and take a break from active politics for five years,” he said, noting he might consider a return if health and strength allow.

Mr Mwambe, who previously served as MP under Chadema before defecting to CCM, also ruled out returning to the opposition.

“I’ve been in opposition politics before, and I know the challenges. I don’t intend to go back,” he said.

He pledged to remain calm and continue serving CCM, adding that if leadership gaps emerge in Ndanda in the future, he may consider running again.

“I’ve not made any plans for 2030 yet, but if the need arises and my party approves, I will consider it,” he said.