MWE Correspondent
Tanzania continues to grapple with entrenched corruption, and Gairo Member of Parliament, Ahmed Shabiby, has urged the government to confront the issue more decisively.
Speaking in Parliament on January 28, 2026, Shabiby said the scale of corrupt practices in the country is far greater than citizens are often led to believe.
Shabiby’s comments came during debates following President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s address at the opening of the 13th Parliament on November 14, 2025. He emphasized that while the president has called for an accountable government that serves citizens, much work remains to ensure that public trust is restored.
“There are many corrupt individuals—those in positions of influence who act openly. People are constructing properties every day, some even putting their names on the buildings. Citizens can see this,” Shabiby said, underscoring that corruption is increasingly visible and brazen.
The lawmaker also raised concerns about the effectiveness of Tanzania’s anti-corruption agency, the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (Takukuru). He claimed that the agency often focuses on low-level officials and MPs, while higher-ranking government ministers handling substantial public funds remain largely unexamined.
“Where are the ethics watchdogs? They target MPs who do not manage government money but leave ministers in charge of large sums untouched,” Shabiby said, warning that selective enforcement undermines citizens’ confidence in governance and allows misconduct to persist.
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Shabiby stressed that ordinary Tanzanians are aware of these practices, noting that visible signs, such as new constructions by public officials, make the misuse of public funds obvious to communities. He called for stronger oversight mechanisms, transparent enforcement, and leadership that models integrity.
Political analysts say Shabiby’s remarks highlight a critical challenge facing Tanzania: establishing a culture of accountability where all officials, regardless of rank, are held responsible. Tackling high-level corruption is essential not only to restore public confidence but also to ensure that government resources reach sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
As Parliament continues deliberations on governance reforms, Shabiby’s call serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for ethical leadership and consistent application of anti-corruption laws. Observers note that without decisive action, public trust in state institutions could further erode, affecting development and social cohesion.
