Kisesa MP Luhaga Mpina addressing residents in Mwaukoli Village, Kisesa Ward during the recent Traditional Dance Festival. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
The
sun was setting over Mwaukoli Village, casting long shadows across the dusty
streets. The air was thick with anticipation as a crowd gathered to hear from a
man who had become a symbol of defiance within his party.
Luhaga
Mpina, the fiery MP for Kisesa, stood before them recently, his voice
unwavering as he took on those, he accused of betraying the very principles
upon which their party was built. "CCM is not a refuge for thieves,"
he declared, his words cutting through the air like a knife, resonating with
the frustration and anger of a people tired of corruption.
Mpina,
currently serving a 15-session suspension from Parliament, had been sidelined
for openly criticizing various ministers and the government’s handling of
corruption and governance issues.
The
suspension, which began on June 24, 2024, was imposed by the Parliamentary
Privileges, Ethics, and Powers Committee, which found him guilty of contempt
for disregarding the authority of the Speaker and disrupting parliamentary
proceedings. His return to Parliament is expected in November 2024, but until
then, Mpina has not remained silent.
Addressing
his constituents in Mwaukoli, Mpina was clear and resolute: he would not be
expelled from Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) for naming and shaming those he calls
corrupt. "Some people carry out their corrupt activities under the guise
of CCM. Who told them that CCM is a den of thieves?" Mpina asked, his
voice rising with intensity.
He
challenged the notion that his party, which he insisted had a constitution rejecting
corruption, oppression, and theft, would expel him for standing up against
these vices. "Some say Mpina will be expelled from CCM, but how can you
expel a strong leader like Mpina? Where would you send me? Should I be expelled
for publicly condemning thieves?" he questioned, his rhetorical inquiries
met with murmurs of agreement from the crowd.
Mpina’s
bold assertions are not without consequence. His allegations against certain
CCM members—whom he accused of using the party’s platform to shield themselves
from scrutiny—have raised eyebrows and triggered debates within political
circles.
His
accusations have not gone unnoticed, and there are growing concerns about the
implications of his outspoken nature on his future within the ruling party.
Despite these concerns, Mpina remains steadfast, believing that by exposing
corruption, he is upholding the core values of CCM and protecting the future of
both the party and the nation.
After
engaging in corrupt activities, he recounted how some individuals sought refuge
within CCM, hoping their association with the party would protect them from
accountability. "We cannot have public servants who violate good
governance... If the top leader does not take action, it means they are
condoning these acts," he stated, challenging the leadership to take a
firm stand against corruption. Mpina's defiance has turned him into a lone
voice in a storm that refuses to be silenced even as he faces the potential
backlash from within his party.
In
his address, Mpina also took the opportunity to urge the residents of his
constituency to turn out in large numbers on September 4, 2024, for voter
registration updates. He emphasized the importance of electing capable leaders
who can effectively manage the responsibilities entrusted to them by the
people. "Your ticket to vote is having a voter ID card. I urge you to go
and elect good leaders. Development comes at a high cost, and it requires
careful planning by choosing the right leaders. A good leader resembles us;
choose a leader who resembles Mpina and President Samia, who will not destroy
the foundations we have laid," he told the crowd, his voice carrying a
sense of urgency and determination.
Political
analyst and renowned historian, Mussa Lugete, weighed in on Mpina’s remarks,
noting that the MP is fulfilling his role as a lawmaker by holding the
government and its officials accountable. "Mpina's presence within CCM
represents a leader who utilizes constructive criticism.
I think he should be utilized more during this
period because he helps build a positive image within the party and shows that
they can critique each other," Lugete explained, suggesting that Mpina’s
approach could help strengthen the party rather than weaken it.
Lugete
also highlighted the prevailing fear within society that anyone who offers
constructive criticism of the government is perceived as an enemy, a notion he
believes is counterproductive in a society striving for development.
"We
need to understand that constructive criticism is essential for growth. It challenges
leaders to do better and ensures that the government remains transparent and
accountable," Lugete added.
As
the night fell, Mpina’s words lingered in the air, a stark reminder of the
challenges facing both CCM and the nation. His battle against corruption has
made him a key figure in the ongoing struggle for accountability within the
party.
Whether his actions will lead to meaningful
reform or further division within CCM remains to be seen, but one thing is
clear: Luhaga Mpina is not backing down from his mission to root out
corruption, no matter the personal cost. His voice, echoing through the streets
of Mwaukoli, is a testament to the power of standing up for what is right, even
when the odds seem insurmountable.