Polygamy at the polls: Mgau’s outlandish campaign pitch

“Young men, get ready. If I become President, it will be illegal in Zanzibar for any man to have only one wife. We will start with two wives and move forward. Any man who refuses to marry at least two wives will face six years in prison,” Mr Mgau told supporters on the campaign trail.

In addition to his controversial polygamy pledge, Mr Mgau has promised sweeping economic reforms, including a monthly salary for every Zanzibari aged five and above, with a minimum of Sh900,000.

Campaign promises and vision

Mr Mgau insists that life under his rule would be marked by prosperity, wealth creation, and a strengthened economy.

Such growth, he argues, would eliminate any excuse for Zanzibari men to limit themselves to one wife when they can provide for more.

To reinforce his position, he repeatedly declares that clinging to monogamy will not be tolerated.

He portrays polygamy not only as a cultural practice but also as a tool for social and economic expansion. The NRA candidate has also pledged allowances for every child, including newborns, signalling what he calls “a government of inclusive prosperity.”

He argues that his leadership would guarantee a higher standard of living for all islanders, promising better salaries for civil servants, improved infrastructure, and enhanced social services.

Not his first attempt

This is not Mr Mgau’s first bid for Zanzibar’s highest office. He previously contested the 2020 General Election on the NRA ticket.

At the time, his campaign centred on Pemba, where he sought to challenge the late ACT-Wazalendo chairman, Seif Sharif Hamad, long regarded as the island’s political strongman.

In his 2020 campaign, he declared, “For many years, that man (Seif) has considered Pemba his own. I have decided this year to camp in Pemba to liberate the people from his politics.”

Mr Hamad died on February 17, 2021, marking the end of an era in Zanzibar politics. With Hamad gone, Mr Mgau has shifted focus, this time rallying voters around the banner of polygamy.

He urges Zanzibaris to embrace multiple marriages and “multiply for the good of society.”

Eye on 2025 General Election

Ahead of the 2025 polls, Mr Mgau expresses confidence in his chances, claiming that Zanzibaris understand his language and identify with his agenda. He urges citizens to vote peacefully and return home without incident.

The NRA candidate envisions Zanzibar’s development benchmarked against Dar es Salaam. He cites the Mfugale flyover, Chang’ombe flyover, and the Kijazi Interchange at Ubungo as symbols of modern infrastructure, vowing to deliver even bigger projects.

Zanzibar, under President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, has already embarked on similar projects, such as the construction of flyovers at Mwanakwerekwe and Aman.

Yet Mr Mgau insists that traffic congestion remains a serious problem in the islands’ small cities due to rising vehicle numbers. His solution is ambitious: building as many flyovers as necessary to ease movement.

“Infrastructure will be my top priority once elected,” he stresses.

From Pemba to Unguja

Mr Mgau, who currently serves as NRA Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, hails from Kangagani village in Wete District, Pemba, but now lives in Unguja.

His campaign narrative highlights his deep understanding of both islands, positioning himself as a leader who can unify Zanzibar.

Beyond infrastructure, he promises to strengthen the aviation sector, including acquiring modern aircraft capable of carrying at least 250 passengers.

He says this would expand Zanzibar’s tourism potential and stimulate economic growth.

Early life and education

Mr Khamis Faki Mgau was born on June 12, 1978, in Kangagani, Pemba. He is the fourth of nine children of Mr Faki Mgau Haji and Ms Kame Hamis Saleh, both natives of the island.

He began primary education at Kangagani Primary School in 1989 and completed secondary education there in 2000.

After finishing Form Four, he did not pursue higher studies; instead, he turned his attention to politics.

Political journey

Mr Mgau’s political career began in 2000 when he joined the Tanzania Labour Party (TLP), inspired by the then-chairman, Augustino Lyatonga Mrema.

From 2000 to 2004, he served as a member and later became the TLP chairman for Wete District.

In the 2005 General Election, dissatisfied with TLP’s performance, he defected to Chadema, convinced the party could perform better. But after disappointing results, he abandoned the opposition outfit and joined the NRA in 2006.

That same year, he was elected NRA Secretary for North Pemba. His organisational skills and political energy impressed fellow members, leading to his promotion in 2007 as NRA Coordinator for Pemba.

By the 2010 General Election, he was nominated as the NRA’s parliamentary candidate for Kojani Constituency in Wete District.

Although he finished third behind CUF and CCM, he was credited with raising NRA’s profile in the area. He contested again in 2015 but came third once more. Two years later, during NRA’s internal elections, he successfully vied for the post of Vice-Chairman for Zanzibar, winning by a landslide.

Leadership style and pledges

Mr Mgau insists that his leadership would surpass that of his predecessors. His promises extend beyond polygamy and flyovers, touching on several sectors such as civil service, where he pledges to raise salaries and improve welfare for government employees.

In the tourism and aviation sectors, Mr Mgau promises to expand the aviation sector with larger aircraft to boost arrivals, while citizens aged five and above would be given monthly salaries alongside child allowances to strengthen the Isles' social welfare.

Regarding infrastructure, peace and security, he pledged to prioritise flyovers and road networks to ease traffic congestion, and to safeguard harmony before, during and after the elections.

He says peace will remain the cornerstone of his presidency. “I understand the many challenges Zanzibar faces. If elected, I will ensure citizens live comfortably in their homeland,” he affirms.

Personal life

Mr Mgau is married to Ms Hazala Hassan Khamis. He portrays himself as a family man deeply committed to the values of Zanzibari society.

His polygamy stance, he argues, is not merely a political gimmick but a reflection of cultural norms he wishes to strengthen under his leadership.

A candidate who courts controversy

With his radical pledges, Mr Mgau stands out as one of the more unconventional figures in Zanzibar’s political landscape.

His ideas, ranging from criminalising monogamy to paying salaries to children, have drawn both criticism and intrigue.

Observers say his campaign resonates with some sections of the electorate who view him as a bold, unapologetic politician ready to challenge conventional politics. Critics, however, dismiss his promises as unrealistic and populist.

Yet for Mr Mgau, winning is not only about promises but about connecting with voters. He believes his background, grassroots political experience, and outspoken nature set him apart.

As the 2025 General Election approaches, Mr Mgau is banking on his high-profile pledges to galvanise support. Whether his radical proposals will translate into votes remains to be seen.

For now, he continues to traverse Zanzibar’s towns and villages, urging citizens to embrace his vision of prosperity, multiple marriages, and bold infrastructure.

His message is clear: trust me with leadership, and Zanzibar will not only prosper but also chart a new political path.