A sharp regional debate has emerged after Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono criticised recent Cabinet appointments made by Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
His remarks, posted on X, challenged the credibility of the reshuffle and raised broader questions about governance practices within ruling parties across East and Southern Africa.
Chin’ono took issue with the appointment of Wanu Hafidh Ameir, the President’s daughter, as Deputy Minister for Education, alongside Mohamed Mchengerwa, her son-in-law, as the new Health Minister.
He further highlighted the selection of Ridhwani Kikwete, son of former Tanzanian president Jakaya Kikwete, to the Ministry of Public Service Management and Good Governance.
According to his statement, these placements signal a worrying trend where family ties appear to influence leadership roles.
The Tanzanian government announced the changes earlier in the week, describing them as part of administrative restructuring intended to strengthen the delivery of essential services.
In Tanzania’s political framework, the President holds wide latitude to appoint ministers, a practice common across the region, including in Kenya where Cabinet picks are subject to parliamentary vetting.
Chin’ono, however, argued that the appointments reflected what he views as an erosion of merit, claiming that key ministries should be filled through competitive and transparent processes.
His comments drew swift attention online, with many users from Kenya weighing in due to ongoing conversations about accountability in public appointments.
Kenya has experienced similar debates in recent years, particularly around allegations of political patronage within state corporations and senior government roles.
Chin’ono’s intervention therefore resonated with Kenyan audiences familiar with discussions on the need for clearer safeguards in executive decision-making.
The journalist also criticised Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s long-standing ruling party, saying party leaders had not openly challenged what he described as a growing pattern of nepotism.
His remarks added pressure to an already sensitive political moment in Tanzania, where the government has been reshuffling several ministries ahead of upcoming policy reviews.
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