KIswahili Press Summaries: 30 May, 2010

Collected by: British High Commission, Dar es Salaam http://ukintanzania.fco.gov.uk/en

Disclaimer: These Summaries are collected and distributed for information only. Any views or opinions expressed in this summaries do not necessarily reflect the FCO's policy.

Governance

Bigwigs haunted by PCCB probe

Some CCM leaders are trying to find out if they are on the black list of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB). This is after PCCB chief, Dr Edwards Hosea warned that he has documented the gifts aspiring MPs distribute in constituencies, hoping to get nominated. Hosea said he is soon going to summon and question them. Some incumbents said this might stop them from fulfilling their ‘promises’ of development aid to the constituencies. But Hosea said he knows the difference, adding that PCCB will question why they distribute things like bicycles, khangas, t-shirts and money. PCCB has been entrusted with the task of enforcing the Election Expenses Act 2010. When John Cheyo (Bariadi, UDP) was contacted for comment, he snapped: “I have nothing to say to you. So leave me alone.” Similar reaction came from MP for Peramiho (CCM) Jenifer Mhagama. (Tanzania Daima, Mtanzania)

PCCB probing Mwakyusa, Kilasi

Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) said it is investigating Health Minister, Prof. David Mwakyusa and MP for Mbarali (CCM), Esterina Kilasi who reportedly poured money and bicycles into their constituencies. Mwakyusa, MP for Rungwe West (CCM), is said to have given Sh 500,000 in 19 wards between March and April this year. He claims it was to ‘strengthen’ the party, but people have been complaining. As for Kilasi, he gave Sh 100,000 and bicycle to each of the 11 party branch leaders in March this year. The two MPs told this paper separately that they gave the money because they were ‘asked for help’ and because they were ‘implementing’ CCM election manifesto. (Nipashe)

Unions: TUCTA strike imminent

While 21 days given to the government by the Trade Union Congress (TUCTA) to declare its stand on workers’ demands have expired, nothing has been said so far. And so there is a possibility that TUCTA might go back to its strike action that was suspended early this month to give more time to government. Acting Secretary General of TUCTA, Nicholas Mgaya told this paper that until yesterday there was no government notice published in the official gazette. “The 21 days are over and so next week we are going to meet and consider as to what action to take,” Mgaya said. Minister of State (Public Service Management), Ms Hawa Ghasia could not be contacted as her phone was switched off. (Nipashe)

Elections : Bribery during CUF nomination

A tug-of-war is going within CUF members in Pemba who are seeking party nomination for October elections. In the ensuing fight an incumbent MP for Chake Chake, Ms Fatma Maghimbi, has been defeated in the preferential poll. On the other hand, leader of the opposition, Hamad Rashid has been nominated. The polls have not been without problems. Thus, it is reported that six out of seven contenders in Chake Chake have refused to concede defeat and sign the result sheet. Official result shows Mussa Haji won while Ms Maghimbi was relegated to third place. She told this paper that the poll was marred by irregularities and so she and her colleagues refused to concede defeat. “One contender was going round with a ‘bank’ in his briefcase, dishing out money to voters. We have filed an appeal against the result,” she lamented. When contacted, the winner challenged: “How could I bribe 978 members who voted for me? Why didn’t they trap me? In 2005 Ms Maghimbi defeated me and I conceded. That is what democracy is all about.” Meanwhile, preferential polls for CUF aspirants are going on in Pemba.  (Mwananchi)

Snippets

1      PCCB chief says he will continue probing lawmakers (Mwananchi)

2      Teacher marries student in presence of DC (Tanzania Daima, Habari Leo)

3      Five immigration officers face bribery charges (Tanzania Daima, Majira)

4      Lawyers threaten to sue Tendwa over registration of CCJ (Tanzania Daima, Majira, Habari Leo)

5      50 Ethiopians feared drowned near Tanga (Majira, Nipashe, Mwananchi)

6      CCM members stop rally of MP in Ludewa (Mtanzania, Nipashe)

7      Speaker Sitta says he is to continue fighting graft (Mwananchi)

8      Many UVCCM leaders have cheated over their age (Mwananchi)

9      Police condemn mobs raiding police stations (Mwananchi)

10            Over 820,000 tourists expected to bring in $ 1.5 million (Habari Leo)