Tanzanians lament the passing of Job Ndugai, a seasoned politician and former Speaker of Parliament. He was the first to step down after a clash with the president.
Ndugai, an MP for 25 glorious years, has left this world in Dodoma at 62. Speaker Tulia Ackson sadly relayed the news without disclosing the cause. Reports suggest he had been in hospital care.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan has expressed deep sorrow. She says, “I received with sorrow the news of Ndugai’s death,” sending heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
Ndugai, since 2000, has represented Kongwa in Dodoma. He recently achieved official nomination from the ruling CCM party for an October election run.
The CCM honors him, stating, “We have lost a courageous leader, a true patriot.” In his early political days, Ndugai emerged as the most active MP. By 2010, he was deputy speaker, rising to speaker in 2015.
However, he resigned in 2022 over contentious remarks on the nation’s borrowing, which displeased President Samia.
He sincerely warned of rising debts, cautioning about the “auctioning” of the country. He admitted his mistake, pleading for forgiveness from God and the Tanzanian people, declaring, “I was wrong – gravely wrong.”
His words seemed a departure from his traditional loyalty, and he often faced criticism for compliance.
Some analysts labeled parliament under his reign, especially between 2015-2020, as weak. Dismissing these assessments, he confidently said critics misunderstood parliamentary democracy. He once announced, controversially, an unconstitutional third term for Magufuli.
Ndugai’s Controversial Legacy
Ndugai faced backlash for commenting on opposition MP Tundu Lissu during Lissu’s hospital recovery from an attempted assassination.
He also led the controversial removal of Lissu’s parliamentary seat, citing prolonged absence. Critics labeled it “insensitive,” arguing Lissu was still healing abroad.
These actions contrasted with earlier alliances when both CCM and opposition MPs backed him in 2015.
Undeterred by the lack of support after his government borrowing critique, he insisted his resignation served national interests. This act preserved his loyalty to the party until the end.
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