MWE Correspondent
Tension gripped Kilingi Village in Siha District after a tragic incident in which a parliamentary candidate from the Civic United Front (CUF) was killed by angry residents following an alleged stabbing during a late-night argument.
The deceased, identified as Daudi Ntuyehabi, was contesting for the Siha Constituency seat in the upcoming general election. According to the Kilimanjaro Regional Police Commander, Simon Maigwa, the violence erupted on the night of October 7, 2025, after a quarrel between Ntuyehabi and a young man, Abdul Issah Mohamed, turned deadly.
Police reports indicate that the two men were drinking together at a local bar when a disagreement over money escalated. Witnesses said that during the heated confrontation, Ntuyehabi allegedly stabbed Mohamed in the abdomen, leaving him critically injured.
“After the incident, residents became enraged and decided to take the law into their own hands,” Commander Maigwa said. “They attacked the suspect, leading to his death before the police could intervene.”
Authorities confirmed that Mohamed was rushed to a nearby health facility, where he is receiving medical care. His condition has since stabilized, though he remains under close supervision.
Eight suspects have been arrested in connection with the mob attack. Those in custody include Hamadi Mohamed, Alphonce Kinyaha, Rizik Amedeus, Frank Lutindi, Shedrack Emanuel, Jeremia Mnkondo, Zainab Elisha, and Issah Mohamed. Police say all suspects will be charged once investigations are complete.
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Commander Maigwa condemned the growing trend of mob justice, urging the public to refrain from taking the law into their own hands. He emphasized that the police and courts are the only legitimate authorities to handle such matters.
“This kind of violence only worsens the tragedy. Two families have now been destroyed — one has lost a son, and another is nursing serious injuries. This must stop,” he added.
Residents of Kilingi described Ntuyehabi as a calm man known for his political ambitions and community involvement. However, others admitted that tensions had been rising in recent months as election season approached, with alcohol-related disputes becoming more common in the area.
The police have since intensified patrols in Siha and nearby villages to prevent possible retaliatory attacks. Meanwhile, local leaders have called for peace and restraint, reminding citizens of the importance of due process and respect for life.
The tragedy has reignited national debate over vigilantism and the dangers it poses to both justice and democracy. Human rights advocates have urged authorities to strengthen community policing and conflict-resolution mechanisms to curb such incidents.
