MWE Correspondent
Gombo Samandito Gombo, the presidential candidate for the Civic United Front (CUF), has promised to take a hard line against the theft of public resources if elected in the upcoming polls.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Gombo expressed deep frustration with what he described as Tanzania’s weak approach to tackling corruption. He argued that lengthy investigations and light penalties have created a culture of impunity, allowing those who steal from the public purse to walk away with little consequence.
“In this country, a person can steal millions, yet the punishment might be nothing more than a dismissal or a warning letter,” Gombo said. “That is not justice. What matters is not just punishing thieves, but ensuring the stolen wealth is returned to the people.”
He pledged that his government would prioritize swift recovery of stolen assets. Instead of dragging cases through years of bureaucratic procedures, he said his administration would adopt practical measures to reclaim resources using the same methods through which they were stolen.
Gombo also indicated that he would push for immediate legal reforms to close loopholes that allow corruption to thrive. Within his first 100 days in office, he plans to consult stakeholders and revise laws so that officials found guilty of misusing public funds would face tougher sanctions.
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“The people’s wealth cannot be treated as a gift to politicians,” he said. “We cannot be firing thieves and at the same time rewarding them with cars, houses, or foreign trips. That is absurd. Citizens deserve justice, and under my leadership, they will get it.”
Beyond corruption, Gombo criticized political leaders who, in his view, have lost touch with the citizens they represent. He stressed that leadership is a trust and must always put people’s interests first.
Analysts note that corruption has long been a central issue in Tanzanian politics. Reports by global watchdogs such as Transparency International frequently highlight how mismanagement of public resources undermines development. For many voters, promises of accountability resonate strongly, especially at a time when the economy depends heavily on prudent use of public funds.
By positioning himself as a reformist, Gombo seeks to capture the mood of ordinary Tanzanians who are weary of corruption scandals. His message is direct: stolen resources must be recovered quickly and returned to the people, and leaders must serve as guardians—not beneficiaries—of public wealth.
