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Dar es Salaam. Fresh developments have emerged in the case concerning the alleged abduction of Tanzania’s former Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, after his lawyers asked the High Court in Dar es Salaam to allow oral testimony from his sister, Christina Polepole.

The request was made today, October 15, 2025 by lead defence counsel Peter Kibatala during a hearing before Principal Judge Salma Maghimbi. The application, filed under certificate of urgency on October 7, lists the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and several others as respondents, including the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Zonal Crime Officer (ZCO), and the Zonal Police Commander (ZPC) for Dar es Salaam.

Mr Kibatala told the court that Christina had shared new information earlier in the day, claiming that on July 17, 2025 she was detained and assaulted at her Bahari Beach residence by police officers led by Deputy Zonal Crime Officer (DZCO) George Byagemu. The officers allegedly questioned her about the whereabouts of Ambassador Polepole, who was reportedly abducted from his Ununio home on October 6, 2025. Mr Kibatala argued that Christina’s statement was crucial to establishing the truth, saying: “This testimony carries significant value in determining who is holding Mr Polepole and where he might be.

Given the urgency and the nature of this matter, the court should accept oral evidence under oath.” However, State Attorney Ayoub Sanga opposed the request, arguing that the defence had already been allowed to file additional affidavits earlier and was now attempting to delay proceedings.

He added that allowing oral testimony involving Mr Byagemu would deny the officer an opportunity to respond to the allegations, violating the right to be heard. Mr Sanga maintained that any new evidence should be submitted in writing through a sworn affidavit, enabling the respondents to reply formally.

In response, Mr Kibatala dismissed claims of delay, insisting that the new testimony was directly linked to the matter of Mr Polepole’s disappearance — a case, he stressed, that concerned “life and death, not contracts.” “This court operates through human judgment and must recognise the fear surrounding this case.

The testimony will help uncover the truth about Mr Polepole’s whereabouts,” he said. After hearing submissions from both sides, Judge Maghimbi adjourned proceedings until 2 p.

m. today for a ruling on whether Christina Polepole’s oral evidence will be admitted.

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Dar es Salaam. As Tanzania edges closer to the October 29 General Election, political parties have intensified their door-to-door campaigns, a strategy widely regarded as among the most effective ways to reach undecided voters.

The official campaign period began on August 28 and will end on October 28, marking two months of heightened political activity across the country. From the crowded streets of Dar es Salaam to the quiet rural villages of Kagera, candidates and their agents are going house to house, speaking directly to voters and persuading them to support their parties.

The approach is commended for taking politics to the people’s doorsteps, creating space for dialogue and direct interaction. However, it has also raised concerns over the potential for bribery and other unethical practices, which are more difficult to detect in private spaces than in public rallies.

The Director of Prevention at the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), Ms Sabina Seja, told The Citizen that the bureau is fulfilling its legal mandate through three key interventions–education, investigation and enforcement. “The PCCB carries out its responsibilities to prevent and combat corruption through public awareness, investigations, and action against those involved in corrupt practices,” she said.

She added that while door-to-door campaigns are not illegal, they fall outside any specific legal framework that allows for oversight. “The PCCB cannot prevent people from visiting one another, and it is not possible to know whether acts of corruption take place during such visits,” she said.

Ms Seja explained that the bureau focuses on public education and preventive action. “Our main role is to educate citizens through short text messages, media broadcasts, and investigative measures aimed at identifying and curbing corruption,” she said, urging Tanzanians to reject any inducements during campaigns.

Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Deputy Secretary General for Mainland Tanzania, Mr John Mongella, said the ruling party’s door-to-door campaign is centred on connecting with citizens, listening to their needs, and explaining policy priorities. “Our door-to-door approach is about listening to people, not bribing them,” he said.

“We have the widest grassroots network in the country, and we don’t need to buy trust. We earn it through performance and consistency.

Anyone caught offering inducements does so outside the party’s principles and will face disciplinary action.” ACT-Wazalendo Secretary General, Mr Ado Shaibu, also defended the strategy, saying it allows candidates to have meaningful, two-way conversations that large rallies rarely achieve.

“Not everyone who attends rallies does so for politics. Some go for entertainment.

But when you visit someone’s home, you have their full attention. You can discuss policy issues, the cost of living, and people’s daily challenges,” he said.

He dismissed allegations that door-to-door campaigning encourages bribery. “Our strength lies in ideas, not money.

We train our members to win hearts and minds, not votes through gifts. Tanzanians are ready to vote based on issues, not envelopes,” he added.

Civic United Front (CUF) Deputy Secretary General, Ms Magdalena Sakaya, noted that smaller parties depend heavily on personal interaction to reach voters who might otherwise be left out. “For smaller parties, the playing field is uneven.

Big parties can afford large rallies and national media coverage, but others rely on personal engagement. Door-to-door campaigns are not just strategy–they are survival,” she said, acknowledging that the method can be abused if agents lack discipline.

“When you campaign in private spaces, monitoring becomes difficult. For CUF, our message is our only currency,” she said.

NCCR-Mageuzi Deputy Chairperson for Mainland, Mr Joseph Selasini, said the method helps restore trust between politicians and the electorate. “People are tired of being shouted at from podiums.

They want leaders who visit their homes and listen to their problems,” he said. “But proximity also demands discipline.

We have instructed all our candidates to avoid any behaviour that could be interpreted as bribery.” Political analysts, however, urge caution.

Professor Makame Ali Ussi from the State University of Zanzibar said the intimacy of door-to-door visits can build strong emotional connections but also obscure transparency. “When someone comes into your home and speaks your language, it builds trust–but what happens behind closed doors is difficult to verify,” he noted.

He added that in Tanzania’s social culture, small gestures such as giving sugar, cooking oil or transport money can easily be misconstrued. “Such actions may be seen as generosity, but in an election context, they could constitute bribery,” he said.

Dr Onesmo Kyauke of the University of Dar es Salaam described the door-to-door strategy as a “double-edged sword” that is especially beneficial for smaller parties but exposes them to scrutiny. “It allows candidates to reach more voters personally, but it also opens them up to accusations of vote buying,” he said.

Dr Kyauke advised parties to invest in training campaign agents on ethics and transparency. “If managed well, door-to-door campaigns can be the cleanest form of politics,” he added.

Dr Paul Loisulie from the University of Dodoma said the rise of personalised campaigning reflects democratic maturity. “We are moving away from rally politics to relational politics–where engagement replaces spectacle,” he said.

“But this power must be used responsibly. A handshake should never be followed by an envelope.

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Arusha. The East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) has elected the inaugural leadership of the East African Parliamentary Network Against Corruption (EAPNAC), marking a major milestone in the regional fight for transparency, integrity, and accountability within the East African Community (EAC).

The elections, held on Tuesday, October 14, during a plenary session in Arusha, brought together Members of the Assembly representing all seven EAC Partner States. Rwandan legislator Clement Musangabatware was elected as the first President of EAPNAC, with Kurgat Zipporah Jesang Kering from Kenya chosen as Deputy President.

Babirye Veronica kadogo from Uganda will serve as Treasurer, while Dr Jogo Woda Jeremiah Odok from South Sudan was elected Secretary General. In addition, national Focal Persons–Chapter Representatives–were appointed to coordinate EAPNAC activities in their respective countries.

They include Dr Gladness Salema (Tanzania), Mugyenyi Mary Rutamwebwa (Uganda), Kalonzo Kennedy Musyoka (Kenya), Matthias Harebamungu (Rwanda), Nkurunziza Olivier (Burundi), Ngate Mangu Franaois (DR Congo), and Ayason Mukulia Kennedy (South Sudan). Following his election, Mr Musangabatware expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and vowed to lead the network with integrity and inclusiveness.

“EAPNAC will continue to be a strong voice in ensuring that public resources are managed responsibly and that transparency and integrity remain central to the East African Community’s development agenda,” he said. “We must work collectively to build systems that prevent corruption, hold leaders accountable, and restore public confidence in our institutions.

” He further underscored the importance of collaboration with national parliaments, anti-corruption agencies, civil society, and development partners in fostering a more transparent and accountable region. Established to unite legislators from all EAC Partner States in the fight against corruption, EAPNAC serves as a platform for advocacy, ethical leadership, and governance reform.

The network has been instrumental in strengthening legislative capacity and promoting good governance across the region. The election of its first Executive Committee marks a new chapter for EAPNAC, with the leadership expected to intensify advocacy, strengthen oversight, and accelerate the implementation of regional anti-corruption frameworks within the EAC.

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Dar es Salaam. Airtel Money Tanzania has initiated a strategic collaboration with the Cereals and Other Produce Regulatory Authority (COPRA) aimed at deepening digital financial inclusion within the agricultural sector.

The engagement seeks to empower farmers and agribusiness stakeholders with easier, safer access to digital financial services–enhancing efficiency, transparency, and growth across Tanzania’s agricultural value chains. Airtel Money Tanzania Managing Director Andrew Rugambo said the partnership reflects the company’s commitment to transforming agriculture through financial technology.

“We believe digital financial technology is a catalyst for agricultural transformation. Through our engagement with COPRA, we aim to make financial services more accessible to farmers, promote transparency in payments, and drive economic growth through digital innovation,” he said.

COPRA Chief Executive Officer Irene Madeje Mlola noted that the collaboration would help streamline transactions, protect farmers’ funds, and strengthen their integration into formal financial systems. “This partnership will improve efficiency in agricultural value chains and enhance farmers’ participation in the digital economy,” she said.

The initiative reinforces Airtel Money’s broader agenda to advance inclusive growth and financial empowerment for Tanzania’s farming communities. .

Dar es Salaam. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for urgent and collective efforts to address shifting global development and financing trends that could affect Tanzania’s ambitious Vision 2050. Speaking at a high-level forum organised by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Tanzania yesterday, the ministry’s director of Multilateral Affairs, Mr Noel Kaganda, underscored the stark imbalance in global spending priorities.

“While over $2.7 trillion is spent annually on security worldwide, only a small fraction of that amount could end hunger and provide essential healthcare for all,” he said. The forum, convened in collaboration with the government and key development partners, brought together senior government officials, private sector leaders, diplomats, and civil society representatives to discuss innovative financing strategies to support Tanzania’s long-term development goals.

Discussions centred on practical approaches to mobilising resources through domestic revenue generation, public-private partnerships, foreign direct investment, and innovative financing tools such as municipal and green bonds. These, participants said, are key to funding projects that promote climate resilience, infrastructure, financial inclusion, and clean energy.

UN Resident Coordinator Ms Susan Nyamondo cited the Tanga UWASA Water Green Bond as a successful example of how innovative financing mechanisms can help accelerate the country’s development priorities. National Planning Commission Executive Director Dr Fred Msemwa highlighted the crucial role of the private sector under the Dira 2050 framework, with the government serving as an enabler and risk mitigator.

Representatives from the Swedish Embassy and Gatsby Africa also emphasised the need for coordinated development efforts that leverage Tanzania’s unique competitive advantages instead of pursuing fragmented initiatives. UNCDF showcased several ongoing projects demonstrating tangible impact across different sectors, reinforcing the importance of unified collaboration among the government, private sector, and development partners in turning Vision 2050 into reality.

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By January Makamba In December 2007, as an election enthusiast, I travelled to Nairobi to witness the final days of one of Kenya’s most fiercely contested elections. I attended several rallies, but none were as electric as those of the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), especially when its candidate, Raila Odinga, took the stage and launched into his signature dance – simple, rhythmic steps that sent his loyal supporters into a joyful trance.

I was determined to meet this phenomenon, but securing an appointment proved difficult amidst the chaos of the campaign’s final stretch. The election was set for December 27, and by the 23rd, I still hadn’t succeeded.

Then, on the evening of Christmas Eve, I received a call from a new intermediary with an unexpected message: “Baba will have breakfast with you tomorrow at his house.” I was stunned.

Tomorrow was Christmas Day – could a presidential candidate, just days before an election, really have time for a stranger at his home? Yet I was told to be ready for pickup at 7 a.m.

I later learned that Raila agreed to meet me for three reasons: I was from Tanzania; he trusted the gentleman who made the request; and, most of all, his boundless curiosity and genuine interest in people, regardless of their stature. I arrived at his driveway just before 8 a.

m. and found him already active and alert, as if his day had begun hours earlier.

We shared a warm breakfast with Mama Ida graciously serving. Despite running against a powerful state machinery only days before the vote, Raila radiated an unexpected calmness and normalcy that deeply impressed me.

Our conversation revolved around his affection for Tanzania and Kiswahili, his admiration for Julius Nyerere, his dream of a more united East Africa and continent – and, quite endearingly, about me and my own aspirations. I wanted to discuss politics, the campaign, and his fiery rhetoric; he wanted to treat me as an honoured Christmas guest.

That’s exactly what happened. I left with mixed feelings – regret that I hadn’t discussed the election, but joy that, for that morning, I felt like the most important person in his life.

Before I left, he freely gave me his personal number. That encounter left me with a lasting impression: whatever one may think of his politics, Raila’s humanity was unquestionable.

Somehow, he always found time – and genuine attention – for everyone. My second encounter with Raila came in 2014. I had been drawn into the frenzy of seeking my party’s nomination for the presidency.

Despite my age, I made a serious effort, grounded in clear and practical ideas for my country’s progress. As an elder statesman of the region – and a serial candidate – Raila was someone I deeply wished to consult for advice.

This time, it was not difficult to secure a meeting. He was then not on good terms with the government but received me warmly for a private audience.

We spoke at length about resilience, conviction-driven politics, and the mechanics of mass mobilisation. At one point, he called a friend whom he thought could also assist me.

A gentleman at his home took a photo of us. By the time I reached my hotel, my phone was buzzing – friends from both home and Kenya were calling.

The photo had been posted on Raila’s Facebook page, captioned to suggest that I had called on him as a Special Envoy of the President of Tanzania to deliver a message. It nearly turned into a diplomatic incident.

I managed the situation quietly – not by publicly contradicting Raila’s narrative, but by making the right phone calls. To their credit, Raila’s team took down the post and reposted with a harmless caption.

That experience taught me that, when in “war footing,” Raila’s team would brook no protocol in defending and elevating their leader’s image. They considered me fair collateral in service of their mission to show that Raila remained a sought-after figure by regional leaders.

It was, in truth, a testament to his leadership — that he inspired such fierce loyalty among long-serving aides who often believed that consulting him during battle might risk precious time. My last encounter with Raila was in June last year, during his campaign for the Chairmanship of the African Union Commission (AUC).

Tanzania had agreed to President Ruto’s request to support Raila’s candidacy, and as Foreign Minister, part of my duty was to ensure that our support was both genuine and impactful. Yet, in my conversations with colleagues across the continent, I sensed that the confidence Nairobi projected did not reflect the quiet hesitation many expressed privately.

I reached out to two people in Kenya: my good friend David Osiany, close to the Odinga family, to share my concerns; and the respected leader Hon. Musalia Mudavadi, to suggest we do more to strengthen regional backing.

I proposed that Raila be invited to a retreat of Foreign and EAC Ministers I was hosting in Zanzibar, so he could personally make his case to our colleagues. He accepted, attended, and charmed everyone present – a consummate politician and a gracious guest.

I reiterated Tanzania’s unequivocal support for him. From that meeting, I learned that part of Raila’s humanity lay in his enduring belief in the goodness and sincerity of others.

Even after decades in politics, having seen every shade of human character, he still approached people with childlike faith and warmth. Raila Odinga was a political phenomenon – deeply loyal to his people, and in turn, loved with equal devotion.

He loved Kenya. He loved Tanzania.

He loved Africa. He welcomed everyone – even a stranger to his breakfast table on Christmas Day.

My deepest condolences to Mama Ida Odinga, their children, and the entire Odinga family – and to the great people of Kenya. May his soul rest in eternal peace .

Dar es Salaam. On a typical morning or even afternoon outside several government offices, a crowd gathers, waiting for services.

But not everyone is allowed in. Visitors wearing casual clothes are stopped at the entrance, unable to access the services they need.

For many, this could mean turning back or losing precious time. However, that is where a quiet but growing business has stepped in: roadside rental services for formal attire, allowing citizens to comply with dress codes and continue with their errands almost immediately.

For instance, near offices of the Ministry of Home Affairs and the main national immigration offices, operators stand at the edge of the street, signaling potential customers with gestures. A person turned away from an office only needs to notice a wave or a beckoning hand to find a solution just steps away.

Normally, men can rent a shirt or trousers for Sh3,000 each, or a full set for Sh5,000. Women can rent a baibui (Muslim women dress) for Sh3,000, while a complete outfit including skirt, blouse, headscarf, and shoes goes for Sh5,000. Customers remove their casual clothing, slip into the rented attire, and enter the office to complete their business. Once finished, the rental clothes are returned and the original garments reclaimed.

For many, the service is more than just practical, it is a lifesaver. Mary Peter, 34, a government employee, described her first experience using the service.

“I had an appointment I could not miss. I was wearing casual clothes, and I was turned away.

A man on the roadside signaled me to come and rent a shirt and trousers. Within minutes I was back at the office, dressed properly, and able to complete my work.

It saved me a lot of time and stress,” she said. Joachim Juma, 29, a small business owner, echoed her praise.

“It is practical and straightforward,” he said. “I don’t need to exchange phone numbers or make appointments.

I just rent what I need, finish my business, and return the clothes. It’s a quick, hassle-free solution.

” Yet, not everyone sees the arrangement as risk-free. Amina Said, 31, expressed concerns about hygiene.

“Wearing clothes that others have used may be convenient, but it can also be risky,” she said. “If they are not properly cleaned, it could lead to skin problems.

” A dermatologist at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza, Dr Salma Nyambo, agreed. “Shared clothing can transmit fungal infections or other skin conditions if not disinfected properly,” she said.

She added: “While the service is useful, users should be cautious and operators should maintain strict hygiene standards.” Sociologists have also weighed in, pointing to a need for public education, lecturer at the Saint Augustine University of Tanzania (SAUT), Ms Linah Kabula shared that citizens should be well-informed and educated about what attire is required in government offices.

“When people know what is expected, they can prepare in advance and avoid unnecessary stops at rental services. It also reduces potential health risks and makes the whole process smoother for both citizens and operators,” he said.

Along the roadside, at various points just a few steps from the offices, the operators wait patiently, sometimes near small shops, stationeries, or roadside chips stands, ready to guide anyone in need of formal clothing. Jamal Hassan leans on a wooden crate, squinting at the crowd outside the Ministry of Home Affairs, small office in Dar es Salaam: “You see them?” he says, nodding toward a man turned away at the gate.

“They hesitate for a second, then they spot us. A shirt, some trousers, and they’re back inside.

No calls, no complications. That’s the beauty of it.

” A few meters down, Fatma Mohamed folds a skirt with care, her eyes following a young woman hesitating near the office. “Some people are embarrassed,” she says softly.

“But when they come over, we help quickly. Minutes later, they’re smiling, back at their appointments.

I like seeing that relief on their faces–it makes the work worthwhile.” Near the immigration main offices in Dar es Salaam, Salma Yusuf gestures fluidly with her hand toward a small group waiting outside.

“It’s just a signal,” she says, laughing lightly. “A little wave, and they know where to come.

They rent what they need, sort out their business, and return it. Everyone leaves happy.

” Ahmed Ramadhani, stacking neatly folded baibuis, adds, “It’s simple, honest work. People get what they need, we earn a living, and no one has to worry about extra arrangements.

It’s satisfying to know we make life a little easier for them.” .

The Tokyo World Athletics Championships, held 1321 September 2025, offered a spectacle of aspiration and determination by Tanzanian athletes. Battling some of the strongest cohorts in the world, the East African country asserted its growing strength in middle- and long-distance running.

With a historic gold medal in the men’s marathon and promising performances from new contenders, Tanzania’s team earned national pride and international recognition. International fans followed all the races with excitement, adding their own estimates and arguments to the mix.

For many fans, the excitement went hand in hand with the growing culture of wagering on global events. In this context, popular bookmaker Melbet login Kenya allowed fans across the continent to stay connected with odds, matchups, and scores, making each event a communal experience.

As Tanzania’s athletes took to the athletics track, their performances were not only observed by coaches but also by growing numbers of viewers eager to demonstrate their skill in sport betting markets. Key Performances And National Highlights Tanzania came with a squad comprising runners trained primarily for long-distance races.

These kinds of races have always been Tanzania’s strength, and the athletes have endurance, tactical mind, and determination. The Tokyo track once again placed them against long-time regional giants like Kenya and Ethiopia.

Sports fans watched these events unfold with great interest, seeing how national pride bled into international events. Online betting helped to fuel this excitement, where form, timing, and outcome debate converged with betting action.

The connection between performance analysis and shrewd betting was apparent, especially as most punters looked towards Melbet Kenya for bespoke market options on athletics — particularly during the men’s marathon, where Tanzania’s biggest triumph unfolded. Distance runner Alphonce Felix Simbu captured national headlines by winning gold in the marathon, clocking 2:09:48 and edging Germany’s Amanal Petros by just 0.

03 seconds — the closest marathon finish in World Championships history. This was Tanzania’s first-ever gold medal at a World Athletics Championship.

His resilience symbolized the growth of Tanzanian athletics, motivating future generations in his homeland and earning global recognition. Strategies And Preparation Behind The Scenes To train for the Tokyo Olympics, athletes from Tanzania did altitude training in Arusha and the Kilimanjaro uplands.

Coaches focused on building endurance and tactical discipline for each athlete. Coaches also focused on race strategy and mental toughness to compete with the pace and racecraft of athletes from Kenya and Ethiopia.

Preparation in this area might not have included advanced sports science, as it focused on East African endurance training techniques, which include stamina, pacing, and recovery. International Tanzanian athletics standards demonstrate complete training cycles, advanced recovery, and nutrition strategies that increase the athletes’ readiness.

People watching the athletes prepare made interesting comparisons. When runners are in a race, one particularly exciting piece of strategy to discipline is pacing, which is similar to a gambler’s strategy.

When a runner paces for the final lap, gamblers focus on the odds and race-day events. Discipline, patience, and timing are virtues of both athletes and gamblers.

Why Tanzania’s Journey Matters The 2025 Championships were about far more than medals — they marked a national breakthrough. Simbu’s gold medal made Tanzanian history, igniting celebrations and proving that the nation’s investment in athletics is bearing fruit.

Each contestant who stepped onto the Tokyo track carried the weight of national pride, reminding the world that Tanzania is an emerging power in distance running. Key outcomes include: ul class=”rte–listRise of International Recognition: Simbu’s win brought Tanzania unprecedented global attention.

Inspiring Youth: His story inspired young runners at schools and clubs nationwide.East African Rivalry: Healthy competition with Kenya and Ethiopia continues to raise standards.

Road To Professional Leagues: The victory opened doors for sponsorships and international coaching exposure. These successes go beyond medals, feeding into cultural and sporting development over the long term.

From Tokyo To Tomorrow Tanzania’s competitors did not dominate every event in Tokyo 2025, but what they achieved was historic. Simbu’s triumph, backed by strong preparation and regional support, set a new benchmark for the nation’s athletic ambition.

As new young talents emerge and training programs evolve, Tanzania’s imprint on world athletics continues to grow. Every step in Tokyo was not merely a race toward the finish line — it was a stride toward a future filled with pride, resilience, and promise.

Across Africa, fans will remember these championships not only for the medals but for the hope and national unity they inspired. .