Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. As more Tanzanian families turn to smartphones for information and entertainment, researchers say digital tools could also hold the key to better parenting and healthier child development.

The National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) has launched a pioneering study to explore how technology can help parents build stronger emotional bonds with their children and improve early learning at home. The study, conducted in collaboration with the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) and Stellenbosch University, comes amid growing concern that excessive or unproductive screen time is weakening family interactions and eroding positive parenting practices.

Speaking during a stakeholder meeting in Kinondoni District, NIMR Mwanza Centre’s Digital Parenting and Child Development Project Coordinator, Mr Christopher Mshana, said the research responds to the social and behavioural changes brought about by widespread digital engagement. “We realised that many parents rely on digital platforms for information, yet effective parenting practices are declining,” said Mr Mshana.

“Through this project, NIMR is using technology to reintroduce positive parenting skills and improve how parents interact with their children.” At the heart of the study is a specially designed smartphone application offering interactive lessons, games, and home-based activities to promote family bonding and reduce parenting-related stress.

The project, which targets children aged four to six and their parents or caregivers, is currently being implemented across 12 wards in Kinondoni District. “Our goal is to promote meaningful parentchild engagement, enhance mental health, and encourage shared activities like play and reading at home,” said Mr Mshana.

“This helps build supportive environments for both parents and children.” According to the Project Manager from REPSSI, Ms Rahaba Mvuoni, the research has already exceeded expectations, reaching 408 caregivers, slightly above the initial target of 400 participants.

“The project offers nine digital lessons focused on strengthening parentchild relationships, building effective parenting skills, and improving parents’ mental health,” said Ms Mvuoni. “Even with busy schedules, parents can dedicate just 10 to 15 minutes daily to read, play, or learn with their children.

” The app also includes 50 educational books, interactive games, and simple home-based activities designed to make learning and bonding both fun and accessible. Community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

A community worker from Msasani Ward, Ms Eva Nyella said the project has changed her parenting approach. “I didn’t have a clear routine for engaging with my child before,” she said.

“Now, I’ve learned different play and learning methods that have strengthened our bond. I spend more time learning about parenting instead of scrolling through social media.

” Similarly, a community health worker from Bunju Ward, Mr Deus Bwire said the initiative is helping to reshape parenting habits across communities. “Many Tanzanians use social media daily, so this smartphone-based approach is practical and accessible,” he said.

“It encourages parents to use their devices for positive purposes–building stronger families and reducing moral decline.” .

Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s football giants Azam FC are on the verge of making history as they aim to qualify for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in the club’s history.

The ‘ice cream makers’, will host Zanzibar’s KMKM this evening at the Azam Complex in a decisive second-leg clash, kicking off at 5pm. Azam FC head into the encounter in a commanding position after securing a 20 away victory in the first leg played at the New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar on October 18, 2025. Goals from Jephte Kitambala and Pascal Msindo gave Florent Ibenge’s side a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture.

With that result, Azam need only a draw or any kind of win to progress to the group stage. KMKM, on the other hand, face an uphill task as they must win by at least three clear goals to advance.

Azam, who have enjoyed a strong start to their continental campaign under Congolese tactician Florent Ibenge, are determined to continue their impressive form and make club history. Speaking ahead of the match, Azam assistant coach Kassim Liogope said the team is in top condition and fully focused on completing the job.

“All the players are in excellent shape and ready to give their best. We are taking the game very seriously because in football, anything can happen,” said Liogope.

“KMKM are a strong and disciplined team, so we must stay alert throughout the 90 minutes and make sure we control the game. Our goal is clear, to finish the job and qualify.

” Meanwhile, KMKM head coach Hababuu Ali remains confident his players can turn things around despite the two-goal deficit. “We lost 20 in the first leg due to some mistakes which we have already corrected.

My players are focused and determined to deliver a strong performance. We know it will be difficult, but nothing is impossible in football,” said Ali.

A win or draw tonight would see Azam FC reach the CAF Confederation Cup group stage for the first time in their history, marking a major milestone in the club’s continental journey and a proud moment for Tanzanian football. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court (Dar es Salaam Registry) has dismissed a habeas corpus application filed on behalf of former diplomat Humphrey Polepole, ruling that there was no evidence proving that the respondents were responsible for his alleged abduction or detention.

The decision, written by Principal Judge Salma Maghimbi and read today, October 24, 2025, by Deputy Registrar Livin Lyakinana, stated that the applicant failed to substantiate his claims. However, advocate Peter Kibatala, who represented Mr Polepole — a former Tanzanian ambassador to Cuba — said they will appeal the decision, insisting that the case raises substantial legal questions that the Court of Appeal ought to review.

The case, Application No. 24514/2025, was filed on October 7, 2025, by Mr Kibatala under a certificate of urgency.

The respondents listed in the case were: the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the Attorney General (AG), the Zonal Crime Officer for the Dar es Salaam Special Zone (ZCO), and the Zonal Police Commander (ZPC). In his affidavit supporting the application, Mr Kibatala stated that Mr Polepole was reportedly abducted on October 6, 2025, from his home in Ununio, Kinondoni District, Dar es Salaam, by individuals believed to be police officers.

He argued that Mr Polepole had not been charged with any criminal offence before any court of law and was believed to be held in an undisclosed location by the respondents. “His constitutional rights have been violated without just cause.

The applicant’s wellbeing requires urgent attention and judicial intervention to ascertain his safety and legal status,” Mr Kibatala stated in the affidavit. He urged the court to order that Mr Polepole be released on bail or brought before a competent court of law and charged accordingly.

Mr Kibatala further informed the court that the applicant is a Tanzanian citizen who has served the country in various capacities, including as District Commissioner for Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, and Ambassador to Malawi and Cuba. He added that earlier this year, Mr Polepole voluntarily resigned from his diplomatic post, citing dissatisfaction with how national affairs were being managed within the government and across the country.

According to Kibatala, in his public statements, Mr Polepole had repeatedly expressed concerns for his personal safety due to threats he allegedly received from unknown individuals, linked to his outspoken political and governance views. “These claims were publicly confirmed by his brothers, Godfrey and Agustino Polepole, as reported by local media outlets,” the lawyer said.

He noted that the fifth respondent, ZPC Jumanne Muliro, was quoted in the press dismissing the allegations of abduction. Mr Kibatala emphasised that, as of the time he swore the affidavit, Mr Polepole’s whereabouts remained unknown, and none of the respondents had provided any feedback on his condition, safety, or legal status — a situation that continues to heighten public concern.

“I have reason to believe that the respondents, particularly the fifth respondent (ZPC), are aware of and have authority over the applicant’s detention,” Kibatala said. Court’s decision The matter was heard through written submissions.

In its ruling delivered today, the court held that the applicant failed to discharge the burden of proving that the respondents were the ones who took Mr Polepole. “What was presented before this court were mere suspicions that the respondents might have taken him or know his whereabouts,” the ruling read in part.

“For those reasons, this court declines to grant the orders sought. Consequently, the application is hereby dismissed,” announced Deputy Registrar Lyakinana.

Reacting to the ruling, Mr Kibatala confirmed that an appeal has already been lodged. “We have filed a notice of intention to appeal and requested the High Court to prepare the necessary case records for the appellate process.

The documents are already in the court system,” he said. .

Dar es Salaam. The High Court of Tanzania, Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, has rejected a bail application filed by the Chairperson of the opposition party Chadema, Tundu Lissu, in his ongoing treason case.

Lissu made the application on October 24, 2025 after the prosecution requested an adjournment of the proceedings due to the absence of a witness. Earlier, the prosecution had asked the court to postpone the hearing until November 3, 2025 stating that their witnesses were unavailable for the day.

The case, which is being heard by a three-judge panel led by the Principal Judge of the High Court in Iringa, Judge Dunstan Ndunguru and assisted by Judges James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde, was scheduled to continue on Friday. However, the prosecution informed the court that the next witnesses were expected to testify based on exhibits that had been ruled inadmissible on October 22 and 23, 2025. The excluded exhibits included data storage devices — a flash drive and a memory card — containing video footage of a speech by Lissu, which the prosecution alleged contained statements inciting rebellion against the government.

Chief State Attorney Lenatus Mkude told the court that since it was the final day of the current hearing session, they were seeking an adjournment under Section 302 of the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) until November 3, 2025 in line with the official case schedule. Lissu, however, strongly opposed the request, arguing that the prosecution had failed to present valid grounds for adjournment.

He urged the court to compel the prosecution to produce its witness, insisting that without the excluded exhibits, the case had effectively collapsed and no further evidence existed to substantiate the charges. He further requested that if the court agreed to the adjournment, it should grant him bail under Section 302(2) of the CPA.

In response, Chief State Attorneys Mkude and Nassoro Katuga objected to the bail plea, arguing that the offence of treason is non-bailable under Tanzanian law. Delivering his ruling, Judge Ndunguru upheld the prosecution’s motion, stating that their reasons for seeking adjournment were valid and lawful.

He added that while the section cited by Lissu provides for bail under certain conditions, the current circumstances did not meet those criteria, given that the postponement request was legally justified and the charge itself was non-bailable. “Since today marks the end of this court session, the case is hereby adjourned until November 3, 2025 as indicated in the court’s cause list,” Judge Ndunguru declared.

Following the decision, Lissu was returned to remand custody, marking his 202nd day in detention since his arrest on April 9, 2025 when the case was first filed. .

You’re sharing a table with two buddies (let’s call them Allen and Musa) and with their girlfriends. It means you’re the odd man out, but you don’t care ahem! Allen’s girlfriend (he calls her wife) drinks Heineken as Musa’s partner (he calls her Missus) enjoys Sere Laiti.

We (the men) are each handling his own bill. In any case, who’d like sharing bills with a tablemate imbibing Gordon’s and his “wife” guzzling Heinekens? Musa’s missus is on Sere Laiti.

Let’s face it, imported brands have something classy about them. While at the end of the day beer is beer, and gin is gin, when your brand of choice costs 4.

5k per bottle while the person next to you is partaking of local varieties costing a mere 1.5k, you won’t fail to note the way he’ll look at you with suspicion and envy.

Envy that gives you the idea the 1.5k beer guy is concluding that your income sources should be investigated by PCCB! In due course, everybody feels like they could do with something to eat.

Musa’s missus ha! says she’ll have mishikaki and a couple of roast bananas. Allen’s wife ha! says she’ll have a half chicken with chips.

Nodding, Allen says he’ll take a half chicken as well, plus three roast bananas, and, turning to Musa, he asks, “How about you, bro?” “I am ordering ugali with vegetables they make very good vegetables here which they embellish with a few pieces of cow meat it’s very good.” “Come on, Musa! Forget about cow meat Let’s have chicken, two whole chickens will be enough for us all, and everybody can have their own choice of carbohydrate and the bill is mine.

” He speaks the last five words with aplomb. Money to him is not a problem, that’s what he’s trying to show without saying it in so many words.

You’ve never been averse to free things, so you nod in agreement even as you detect discomfort in Musa’s body language. ‘That’s his own problem,’ you say to yourself as you swallow your Castro Laiti and wait for the delicacy.

After we’re done with the great meal, we all resume drinking to wash down the eatables. Out of the blue, Allen turns to Musa’s missus and says, “Shemeji, why don’t you switch to a better drink Sere Laiti can be boring Have a Heineken or even a Savanna if you like.

” Before she can respond, Musa intervenes and says, “Allen, you’re crossing the line now! How do you decide what my missus is going to drink? You’re being arrogant, and I can’t stand that!” “Bro, if you’re concerned about the bill, worry not I’m going to fix that,” says Allen, after which Musa’s missus says, “Indeed, I’d like to switch to Savanna.” Her response must have agitated Musa, who gives her a sharp slap, then, he turns around and throws a vicious punch aimed at Allen.

He, however, misses, thank God! Musa stands up, grabs his missus’s hand, and together, they walk away as he mumbles something about people who use their money to lure their friends’ wives! without shame. .

Dar es Salaam. For many Tanzanians, weekends are a time to unwind at nightclubs, bars, and open-air concerts where lively music and energetic performances set the tone.

However, experts are warning that the same music that brings joy and excitement could also be inflicting gradual and irreversible damage to hearing. In 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Make Listening Safe initiative, raising alarm over the growing number of young people exposed to dangerously high sound levels.

The agency estimates that 1.1 billion young people worldwide are at risk of permanent hearing loss from loud recreational sounds — including concerts, clubs, and personal earphones.

Such exposure can cause permanent hearing loss and tinnitus — a persistent ringing in the ears — both of which can seriously affect communication, learning, and employment, leading to social isolation and a diminished quality of life. Speaking to The Citizen, event promoter Haji Balou admitted that awareness of safe sound levels remains low within the local entertainment industry.

“We usually work with sound engineers, but honestly, the focus has always been on creating energy and excitement,” he said. He added that discussions about decibel limits or hearing safety are rare.

“Maybe it’s time we start taking it more seriously,” he said.Event organiser Mjuni Jumanne said fan expectations also contribute to the problem.

“People think a loud concert means a great show. We need to strike a balance between sound quality and safety,” he said.

Some concert-goers share similar concerns. Salma Jumanne, a regular at live shows, said she can hardly imagine a concert without the booming bass that shakes the crowd.

“People come to concerts to feel the music, but sometimes it’s too loud. Maybe organisers could invest in better sound systems instead of simply turning the volume down,” she suggested.

Medical expert Dr Magnus Msango explained that damage can occur not only at concerts but also through everyday earphone use. “Several factors determine the risk — how long you’re exposed, how close you are to the sound, and your personal hearing sensitivity.

Even prolonged exposure to traffic noise can be harmful,” he said. He added that many Tanzanian nightclubs exceed safe sound limits and urged stakeholders to promote hearing protection.

“Some clubs play music so loud you can hear it clearly from outside. Imagine the impact on those inside,” he warned.

On the technology front, tech expert Dominick Dismas suggested that music lovers use sound-meter apps such as NIOSH SLM or Decibel X to monitor noise levels around them. “These apps can help you know how loud it is and when to protect your ears.

Moving a few metres away from speakers or taking short breaks can also make a big difference,” he advised. As Tanzania’s music scene continues to thrive, experts stress the importance of combining entertainment with awareness — ensuring that fans can enjoy the rhythm of the night without sacrificing their hearing.

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Many Tanzanian water consumers remain unaware that they are legally entitled to compensation if their water supply is disconnected during weekends or public holidays. According to the Customer Service Charter and regulations enforced by the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (Ewura), any water provider that interrupts a customer’s service on such days must pay Sh100,000. Should the disruption continue, an additional Sh5,000 is payable for each day until normal service resumes.

Water Distribution Manager at Ewura, Engineer Titus Safari revealed this during a recent podcast on customer service contracts. He explained that these contracts set out the services a provider commits to delivering, as well as the rights and responsibilities of both parties.

“Every water authority is required by law to maintain a customer service charter, and Ewura ensures compliance,” he said, adding that these charters are developed through participatory stakeholder discussions. Mr Safari urged customers, including those served by Dawasa, to familiarise themselves with their contracts to fully understand their rights and obligations.

For instance, when a citizen applies for a new water connection and pays all applicable fees, the authority is legally obliged to supply water within seven working days. Failure to meet this deadline entitles the customer to Sh15,000 in compensation, plus Sh5,000 for each additional day of delay.

He emphasised that it is illegal for providers to disconnect water during weekends or public holidays, whether deliberately or by mistake. “Suspending water on such days contravenes the law and entitles the customer to compensation under the service charter,” he said.

Exceptions exist, however, such as when a customer fails to settle a bill within 30 days. “In such cases, suspension is allowed but must follow the correct procedures and timing,” Mr Safari noted.

For customers seeking redress, he advised reporting the issue first to the relevant water authority to allow for mutual resolution. If no agreement is reached, the matter can be escalated to Ewura either online or in person.

“Our main goal is to reconcile disputes between service providers and customers,” he said. “If reconciliation fails, Ewura proceeds with a formal hearing and issues directives to ensure the customer’s rights are fully upheld.

” .

Sometimes, all it takes for men to bond is a glass of bourbon or a shared passion for a football team. For Italian friends Paolo Paolini and Fabio Santoni, it was their mutual love for hiking that cemented their friendship.

When Paolini arrived in Tanzania in August 2024, he discovered that Fabio had already climbed Mount Meru. Soon after, they began planning to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro together.

By February 2025, their plan had taken shape, and they contacted a specialist company to organise the climb. Paolini, an active man who keeps himself in good physical form, intensified his training regimen.

His preparation included playing football twice a week and paddling every weekend. “The days I didn’t spend on the pitch, I was in the gym, following a specific programme prepared by Nino, one of my elder sons,” he said.

Beyond physical readiness, Paolini found mental preparation to be even more crucial. As it is impossible to simulate the high altitude or predict how the body will react at over 4,000 metres above sea level, he said, “Mentally, I was going through different scenarios, focusing on reaching the summit, but none of these scenarios had the option of failure.

” Scaling the world’s highest free-standing mountain demands both respect and awareness of the challenge that lies ahead. Paolini was born in Switzerland, and at the age of three, his father placed him on skis and told him to follow.

“I grew up near the Swiss Alps and also in my region in Italy–Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, in the north-eastern part close to Austria and Slovenia–which has beautiful landscapes and mountains. I would say that I just love everything that has to do with mountains,” he said.

Hiking, to him, is deeply sentimental–it means spending quality time with family and friends. While Kilimanjaro was a significant challenge, Paolini regarded it as a “normal” hike for someone raised among snowy peaks.

“To me, hiking means relaxing, enjoying nature, and recovering from the usual stress–and, if possible, rewarding myself with delicious food and an ice-cold beer afterwards,” he added with a laugh. Nevertheless, climbing Kilimanjaro allows no comfort.

“No shower, very little contact with family and friends for seven days. But more or less, you are prepared for it,” he noted.

For him, the most challenging part was not knowing whether mountain sickness would affect him. “There are many possible symptoms, some of which can be severe,” he said.

“Luckily, I only had headaches on the second and third day.” During the final 150-metre stretch from Stella Point to Uhuru Peak, Paolini struggled slightly with shortness of breath, but adrenaline–and the sight of the summit so close–pushed him through the final steps.

“I feel blessed and proud to have reached the top of Africa with my buddies, and especially with my son Luis,” he said. He proved to himself that with the right physical and mental preparation, one can go beyond their limits.

“But I think, in general, my biggest life challenge is to give a proper education to our children and do everything I can to see them happy,” he reflected. Paolini finds time for holidays whenever schedules align.

“It’s all about time management,” he said, adding that compromises with his wife and family make it possible. Married for 25 years, he knows his spouse very well, and they both understand each other’s needs.

He cherishes their alone time together. “For example, a fixed point in our daily schedule is the coffee we take together every single day when I return from work.

It’s just 30 minutes, but this time belongs only to us. Or the daily walks with our dogs every morning at 6.

00 a.m.

This early morning exercise and chat are good for our bodies and souls,” he elaborated. For Santoni, climbing Kilimanjaro was an adventurous goal he set before moving to Tanzania for work.

“I was thinking with my wife about reaching the summit of this huge and famous mountain before starting work in Tanzania,” he recalled. When he first met Paolini at an event in Dar es Salaam, they quickly realised they shared the same ambition.

To prepare, Santoni walked several times over medium distances–between 12 and 14 kilometres–along the seaside promenades in Dar es Salaam. He also ran outdoors for about 10 kilometres once or twice a week and trained on the treadmill at the gym.

His passion for trekking began years earlier in Italy when he explored routes in the Tuscan Apennines with friends. He realised that reaching mountain summits gave him a profound sense of freedom, and the grandeur of nature always rewarded him with a special gift each time he reached the top.

During his Kilimanjaro ascent, Santoni encountered difficult moments due to the altitude. The most challenging part, he said, was climbing at night as they neared Stella Point (5,756 metres).

“I started feeling dizzy, my legs were very weak, and I was breathing heavily. It was a kind of mountain sickness, as climbers call it,” he said.

Despite his struggle, he persevered. Slowly but surely–polepole, as Tanzanian guides often advise–he reached the summit.

“My greatest strength during the ascent was my mind and soul,” he said. Santoni does not view the climb as a conquest of Africa’s highest mountain but rather as overcoming a personal challenge.

He pushed his body and endurance to the limit in conditions he had never experienced before, especially at such altitude. To him, travel is never a waste of money or time.

“It’s one of the best investments you can make in yourself. I will never stop travelling,” he said.

Having moved to Tanzania more than a year ago, this is Santoni’s first time in Africa. Initially, everything was very different from Italy and Europe, but he soon grew fond of life in Dar es Salaam.

“The view of the sea–the Indian Ocean–makes me feel good and peaceful,” he said. Since his arrival, he has visited Arusha, Iringa, Moshi, Morogoro, and Zanzibar.

“I’ve been on exciting safaris to Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Mikumi, and Ruaha. I also climbed Mount Meru,” he said proudly.

These travels have revealed to him that Tanzania is an extraordinary and vast country, blessed with abundant nature and wildlife. “People here are always smiley and friendly,” he observed.

Such experiences have taught him that happiness often comes from simplicity. “People can live in an easy way and still be happy,” he said.

However, being far from home sometimes leaves him nostalgic. “Being abroad for work offers great opportunities, but there are also things about normal life in your home country that you miss–like being with your family or friends,” he admitted.

“My remedy is to play padel as much as possible,” he added with a grin. Above all, he recommends a Tanzanian safari to anyone seeking an unforgettable encounter with nature.

“I would definitely tell my friends and family to come, because it’s an amazing experience with nature and animals that you’ll never forget,” he said. “Even though I’ve just started going on safari here, I think Tanzania is one of the best places in Africa to experience wildlife, beautiful landscapes, and excellent service from expert and knowledgeable guides,” he affirmed.

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Dar es Salaam. Fraudulent activities targeting Tanzania’s mobile networks fell by 10 percent in the quarter ending September 2025, according to new data from the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority (TCRA).

The regulator’s latest telecom report shows a total of 12,475 fraudulent attempts were recorded between July and September, compared to 13,837 in the previous quarter ending June. Despite the decline, two regions — Rukwa (4,394 cases) and Morogoro (3,586) — continue to account for nearly two-thirds of all incidents, underscoring persistent regional vulnerabilities in the fight against telecom-related fraud.

Among the mobile operators, Vodacom Tanzania managed to reduce the number the number of fraudulent attempts by six percent while Airtel managed to cut the number of such attempts by 40 percent. Halotel managed to cut attempts by 21 percent.

In contrast, TTCL’s reported cases surged by 34 percent while Yas remained largely unchanged. According to TCRA Corporate Communications and Public Relations Manager Rolf Kibaja, the reduction in fraudulent attempts in the last quarter is the result of increased consumer awareness and joint anti-fraud campaigns conducted nationwide.

“There has been increased public and consumer awareness on network security through TCRA’s countrywide campaigns,” he said.Mr Kibaja cited the authority’s flagship campaign, SITAPELIKI, as a major contributor to the decline.

Conducted in partnership with mobile operators, the campaign educates users on identifying and reporting suspicious activities. “Consumers are encouraged to be vigilant online by using secure personal identification numbers (PINS) in mobile money transactions and to protect them.

” Mr Kibaja also stated that, “They have also established responses to mobile provider inquiries made through short code 100 and encouraging consumers to report any fraudulent attempts through short code 15040”. He added that consumers are also encouraged to use 106# in verifying registered SIM Cards and erase the ones they do not recognize.

Despite the overall decline, Rukwa and Morogoro remain the country’s major hotspots, together accounting for 64 percent of all cases. In Rukwa, most incidents were linked to TTCL and Halotel, while Vodacom and Yas dominated cases in Morogoro.

Dar es Salaam followed with 1,063 cases, while other regions such as Mbeya (641), Kilimanjaro (271) and Arusha (226) reported relatively fewer attempts. Telecom expert and techpreneur Jones Mrusha noted that while the decline is encouraging, the tactics used by fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated.

“I can confirm these fraud incidents are widespread and I am personally a victim. The methods are constantly evolving.

It initially began with simple SMS scams, like ‘send money to this number,’ which often tricked people who were already planning a payment,” he said According to Mr Mrusha, fraudsters are increasingly using direct phone calls and WhatsApp hijacking to impersonate trusted contacts and solicit urgent money transfers. “The reporting system is good, but it could be improved by introducing incentives for people who report fraudsters,” he added.

Mr Mrusha emphasised that, “We also need stronger collaboration between the government, TCRA and local cybersecurity experts — especially tech-savvy youngsters. Their specific knowledge is the best weapon we have to effectively fight and stay ahead of these digital attacks on our economy.

” Overall, the decline in fraudulent attempts across most operators between June and September 2025 signals progress in Tanzania’s fight against telecom fraud. The TCRA’s coordinated measures — including the deployment of real-time monitoring systems, stricter SIM card registration protocols and public education campaigns — appear to be paying off.

As the telecom industry continues to expand its digital services, maintaining vigilance and investing in advanced cybersecurity tools will be key to ensuring consumer protection and maintaining trust in Tanzania’s digital economy. .

Raila Odinga Junior assumed leadership of the Odinga home following a traditional ceremony held at the family’s residence in Bondo on Thursday. The event, led by his uncle Dr Oburu Oginga, marked a significant cultural milestone for the family, a formal passing of authority and responsibility within the household, following the burial of the late Raila Odinga.

Dr Oginga, the elder brother of the late Raila, said the day’s ceremony was deeply rooted in Luo traditions that guide family transitions after the death of a patriarch. He emphasised that this was not a political event but a customary handover of domestic leadership and blessings.

“The seat of power in this home is now with Junior, together with his mother. The mum will be there to give him all the advice he needs, but he must stand firm.

He must stand firm and lead the home in our culture,” he said. He explained that while Junior would now head the household, the larger Odinga family remained under his own cultural authority as the family patriarch.

“This is not political leadership, family. The larger Odinga family, which I chair and lead, just as his father was when it came to cultural leadership,” he said.

According to Luo customs, chieng’ mar ang’wen (the fourth day) after burial marks the formal end of the mourning period. On this day, the Odinga family gathered to perform the traditional rites that signalled the closure of mourning for their departed kin.

“My brother was buried on Sunday last week,” explained Dr Oburu Oginga. “Counting from Sunday to last night makes four nights.

In our culture, the fourth day is when the funeral officially ends. That is when daughters married elsewhere return to their homes, and sons who have been here during mourning are allowed to go back to their families.

” Dr Oginga emphasised that the Odingas were following the same traditions that had been performed when their patriarch, Jaramogi Oginga Odinga, was laid to rest. “We do not disregard culture,” he said.

“Even in the Bible, Isaac blessed his sons Jacob and Esau. The same applies in our customs.

Blessings and ceremonies to pass authority have always been part of both our faith and our culture.” Liedo, the traditional head-shaving ritual, commenced.

According to elders, the act of shaving, though simple in appearance, carries immense spiritual significance. It symbolises cleansing, renewal, and the transition from mourning to continuity: the restoration of life’s balance after death has passed through a home.

Raila Junior, the younger son of the former Premier and now the family’s eldest surviving male, was the focus of this rite. According to custom, he was to take up the mantle of leadership as the new head of the family.

“Junior will take the leadership of the family and all the instruments of power as a sign of his new role,” Dr Oginga declared. Before being handed the symbols of authority, a spear and traditional attire, Junior underwent the Liedo.

His elder aunt placed a mark on his head to symbolise that she was the one carrying out the rite. She then ushered the barber to complete the shaving.

The hum of the shaving machine replaced the old rasp of razors, a modern echo of an ancient sound. When the shaving was done, Junior was dressed in traditional attire, his hands gripping the spear that signified strength and responsibility.

Dr Oginga noted that a mark would also be placed on Mama Ida Odinga’s head, symbolically indicating that she, too, had been cleansed through the ritual. “In our culture, even the widow’s cleansing is part of renewal.

It allows life to move forward without breaking the bond of respect to the departed,” he said. Traditionally, the shaving was a far more elaborate ceremony carried out in stages.

Elders recall that razors were once drawn across the scalps of widows and children first, followed by other mourners later. “In the old days, you could hear the scrape of blades at dawn,” said Mr John Akumu, an elder from Alego.

“That sound told the village that mourning had begun. Today, people do it once, if at all, sometimes just a symbolic patch at the back.

” Following the ceremony, another ritual unfolded: the symbolic dispersal of mourners. Relatives began to leave the homestead one by one, the eldest first and the youngest last.

This gradual departure represented grief loosening its grip on the family. Each farewell was not only a goodbye but also an affirmation that life must continue.

In the days that followed, relatives, especially sisters-in-law and aunts, would return to the homestead carrying food. They would cook and share a meal with the widow and her children, a ritual known as yao dhoot, literally meaning “opening the door.

” “It was about life continuing,” explained Jane Owiti, a widow from Gem. “After death closes a door, yao dhoot opens it again.

The meal brings warmth back into the home and welcomes normal life to return.” Another essential ritual, tero chola, would follow soon after.

This was the widow’s visit to her birthplace before she could be inherited, a practice deeply embedded in Luo widowhood customs. During this visit, a goat would be slaughtered, and its meat shared between the widow and her parents.

The act reaffirmed her connection to her lineage before she returned to her homestead to begin life anew with her chosen inheritor. .