A vocal Kenyan activist has sharply criticised Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan for appointing her daughter to a government post amidst reports of a deadly crackdown following the country’s contested October 29 election.
Hussein Khalid, Executive Director of Vocal Africa, made his remarks in a statement on X, highlighting the link between the family appointment and recent political violence.
Khalid’s condemnation comes after Samia named her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, as Deputy Minister for Education in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle.
He accused the president of practising nepotism “in the faces” of bereaved families still searching for loved ones allegedly killed during the post‑poll violence.
His statement refers to the unrest that erupted after opposition parties – including Chadema and ACT‑Wazalendo – were excluded from the race.
The opposition and civil society groups claim that hundreds, if not thousands, died during protests and a brutal security response.
Chadema has estimated around 700 fatalities, citing data from hospitals in Dar es Salaam, Mwanza and other regions.
Some rights organisations go further, alleging as many as 3,000 people may have been killed during the crackdown.
These groups also accuse authorities of hiding bodies, using mass graves, and obstructing investigations amid an internet blackout.
The United Nations Office for Human Rights has urged Tanzania’s government to provide clarity on the fate of missing persons.
In response to the mounting pressure, President Samia has announced the formation of a commission to probe the fatalities.
Observers from the African Union have also flagged concerns about the election’s legitimacy.
Their mission criticised irregularities such as ballot stuffing, lack of party agents, and restrictions on observation – issues they say undermined democratic standards.
Khalid argued that the timing of the ministerial appointment displays “arrogance” and a disregard for Tanzanians who lost family members in what many call a politically charged bloodshed.
He further questioned whether appointing a family member so soon after such a crisis is compatible with good governance