Former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana has voiced support for Tanzanian youth leading protests against Wednesday’s disputed elections, describing their defiance as a revival of the late Julius Nyerere’s spirit of resistance and reform.
Through a statement on X, Kibwana said the youth, alongside opposition leader Tundu Lissu, were standing up for democracy and demanding genuine political change.
“The spirit of Nyerere has entered into Tanzanian Gen Z and Tundu Lissu. They are demanding their country back,” he wrote.
Tanzania has been rocked by violent protests following an election that was marred by chaos and allegations of manipulation.
Several youth stormed polling stations to halt voting, torched buildings, and blocked roads in multiple regions.
Clashes between demonstrators and police were reported in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, and Dodoma, with unrest spilling into Thursday as tension continued to rise.
Kibwana urged Tanzanian authorities to embrace reforms rather than suppress the youth movement, insisting that the country needed a transitional leadership to restore credibility.
“All of East Africa and indeed Africa say no reforms, no sham elections. Tanzania deserves an interim government to organize for a new constitution and genuine elections,” he added.
His remarks mirror growing regional concern over the direction of Tanzania’s politics, with activists and leaders across East Africa echoing calls for electoral justice.
Opposition figures have accused the government of using force to silence dissent, while civil society groups warn that the situation could worsen if dialogue is not initiated soon.
The unrest highlights mounting frustration among Tanzania’s younger generation, who say they are demanding accountability and an end to manipulated elections.
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