By Adonis Byemelwa
Former Geita Regional Commissioner, Eng. Robert Gabriel (pictured) has recently sparked widespread conversation following a candid interview shared on social media.
His remarks reveal a raw, unvarnished reality about life after political office in Tanzania, exposing the emotional and societal toll of losing positions of influence.
Eng. Gabriel’s reflections offer a rare glimpse into the vulnerabilities of leaders when stripped of their authority and laid bare to the whims of their altered social and political landscapes.
He stated pointedly, "A Regional Commissioner earns an ordinary salary, and their life is ordinary unless they are corrupt. I lived a simple life as RC, and even now, since stepping down on July 22, 2021, I live modestly. I have many children and continue to grow my family. I don’t idle; I engage in activities like poultry farming."
His straightforward acknowledgment of his post-office life contrasts sharply with the trappings of power many expect such leaders to enjoy indefinitely.
Eng. Gabriel lamented the hypocrisy of erstwhile allies, some of whom now block his calls or avoid him outright. "When you hold a position, you may think you have genuine friends, but once you’re out, they disappear. Today, my new friends are the people I meet in rural villages, far removed from the political elite who now see me as irrelevant."
His remarks point to the psychological impact of losing political prestige, a phenomenon political analysts in Mwanza, Geita, and Shinyanga describe as deeply destabilizing for unprepared leaders.
The cultural and societal expectations of leadership in Tanzania place significant pressure on politicians to maintain an aura of invincibility. Losing a prominent position often triggers feelings of isolation, rejection, and existential crisis.
The situation described by Gabriel echoes the experiences of other political figures in Tanzania, including the former Iringa Regional Commissioner Ally Hapi and ex-ministers such as Kangi Lugola and Laurence Masha.
Once wielding influence and commanding respect, they now grapple with their diminished status in ways that spill into public view. These instances highlight a broader, systemic issue in political culture, where individuals are often unprepared for life outside the corridors of power.
Psychologists argue that such transitions are fraught with challenges, including identity loss and the disintegration of social networks. Carl Jung’s theories on individuation suggest that leaders in these positions may struggle to reconcile their public personas with their true selves.
The shift from a life of acclaim to one of perceived obscurity demands a profound psychological adjustment, which many fail to make successfully. Jung emphasized the need for self-awareness and inner growth to navigate life’s transitions effectively, lessons that hold relevance for leaders like Gabriel.
Erik Erikson’s psychosocial theory further illuminates the struggles faced by former political leaders. Erikson’s stage of "Generativity vs. Stagnation" underscores the importance of finding purpose beyond one’s primary career or role.
Leaders who fail to develop interests, relationships, or meaningful activities outside of politics risk falling into stagnation, characterized by feelings of irrelevance and despair. Gabriel’s pivot to poultry farming reflects an attempt to remain productive and engaged, but his candid admissions reveal the lingering sting of societal alienation.
Political analysts emphasize the need for proactive measures to prepare leaders for life beyond power. In Geita, one observer noted, "The culture of hero-worship in politics creates an illusion of permanence that can be devastating when reality strikes. Leaders must embrace humility and invest in personal growth while still in office."
This perspective is echoed by analysts in Shinyanga, who advocate for psychological counseling and mentorship programs for political leaders to help them navigate post-political life with dignity and purpose.
Gabriel’s experience also exposes the transactional nature of many political relationships. "When you are in power, you are surrounded by people who appear to care for you. Once you lose that position, they distance themselves," he remarked.
This reality underlines a harsh truth about the fragility of connections based solely on status. It also highlights the urgent need for leaders to cultivate genuine, non-transactional relationships that endure beyond the political arena.
Societal attitudes towards former leaders often compound the problem. A political analyst in Mwanza pointed out, "Our society struggles to value individuals outside their official titles. We need a cultural shift that recognizes and respects the contributions of former leaders, irrespective of their current roles."
This change requires a broader societal re-evaluation of success and failure, moving away from a binary perspective that equates loss of power with failure.
Gabriel’s reflections resonate beyond Tanzania, offering universal lessons about the ephemeral nature of power and the importance of resilience.
His story is a cautionary tale for current and aspiring leaders, reminding them that titles and influence are transient. The challenge lies in defining oneself beyond the confines of public office, finding fulfillment in personal integrity, and cultivating a legacy that transcends political tenure.
The plight of former leaders like Gabriel calls for a systemic approach to leadership transition. Experts propose that political parties and institutions establish programs to support outgoing leaders, including financial planning, psychological counseling, and career development initiatives. Such measures could mitigate the emotional and social dislocation that often follows the loss of political office.
For Gabriel, the path forward lies in embracing his new reality with resilience and grace. "Leadership is transient," he mused. "You are appointed alone, and you leave alone. What matters is how you conduct yourself in between."
His words serve as a poignant reminder to all leaders to prioritize integrity and purpose over the fleeting allure of power. As he navigates his post-political journey, his candid reflections offer valuable insights into the human side of leadership, challenging us all to rethink our definitions of success and legacy.