Simiyu—The police have brought charges against Pendo Paul Elikana, a resident of Mbuga ya Baya in Meatu District, accusing her of fabricating and spreading false information online.
According to a statement from Simiyu Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Edith Swebe, investigations revealed that the allegations made by Pendo were entirely untrue and were motivated by personal interests, aimed at misleading the public.
This case touches on far more than just one individual's misconduct—it strikes at the heart of public trust, political stability, and the integrity of this election season.
As Tanzania moves closer to critical national elections, the implications of such fabricated claims could be devastating: they could fuel political tension, create unnecessary fear among citizens, and possibly incite violence.
Trust in political figures, especially during campaign seasons, is delicate, and false alarms like these threaten to break that trust wide open.
Pendo had alleged, back on March 19, 2025, through social media posts, that she received a mysterious phone call from a man introducing himself as Mussa Mbuga.
The caller allegedly offered her a job—to assassinate Luhaga Mpina, the sitting Member of Parliament for Kisesa constituency. Her claims immediately sparked unease online, with users expressing alarm and demanding answers.
But now, nearly two months later, questions linger not just about Pendo's motives, but about the police's own handling of the matter.
Why the silence? For a case involving a potential threat to a national leader, the slow public response raises concerns about the efficiency and transparency of the police investigation.
It suggests either internal hesitations or a troubling underestimation of the serious nature of political threats in an election year.
From a critical standpoint, the police's silence may have allowed rumors to fester longer than necessary, giving the false narrative time to take root among a politically sensitive public. In moments like these, timely and transparent communication is crucial not just to enforce the law, but to safeguard the social fabric itself.
As for Luhaga Mpina, the gravity of the situation demands a careful, balanced response. While he has every right to express concern over his safety, it’s equally important that he does not sensationalize the issue, risking further polarization. Instead, Mpina would do well to call for calm, encourage faith in lawful processes, and remind the electorate of the importance of discernment in the age of viral misinformation.
This incident is also a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies across the country. As the election season heats up, authorities must be prepared not only to investigate threats quickly but also to act decisively against those who seek to manipulate public opinion through deceit.
Silence and delay only serve to erode public confidence—something the country can ill afford right now.
At its core, this case reflects a larger truth: in an era where a single social media post can sway thousands, the line between truth and fiction has never been thinner—or more dangerous. And in places where democracy is still finding its footing, protecting that line must be a collective priority.