Nairobi, November 18 – Outrage in Tanzania as Samia Suluhu appoints her own daughter and son-in-law to top government positions, triggering a heated public debate over nepotism and ethics in leadership.
In a nationally televised announcement from Chamwino State House in Dodoma, the Tanzanian President unveiled a major Cabinet reshuffle, naming 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers. Among them was her daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who has been appointed Deputy Minister of Education. Wanu’s husband, Mohamed Mchengerwa, was elevated to Minister for Health — a move that saw seven long-serving Cabinet members lose their positions.
Wanu, 43, currently serves as the MP for Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, while her 46-year-old husband represents Rufiji Constituency in Pwani Region.
The reshuffle didn’t stop there. Former President Jakaya Kikwete’s son, Ridhwani Kikwete, was named Minister for Public Service Management and Good Governance in the President’s Office. Ridhwani, also 46, is the CCM MP for Chalinze Constituency in Pwani. His father is widely believed to have played a pivotal role in Samia’s rise within the ruling party and her eventual ascent to the presidency.
Another key appointment included Khamis Mussa Omar, who will now serve as Minister for Finance, taking over from Mwigulu Nchemba — recently appointed Prime Minister. Mahmoud Thabit Kombo was retained as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation.
The newly restructured Cabinet is set to be sworn in on Tuesday morning.
Samia’s latest appointments mirror a broader trend across parts of Africa, where presidents increasingly place close relatives and political allies in powerful Cabinet roles — a practice that continues to stir controversy and fuel accusations of dynastic politics.
