MWE Correspondent
Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance, Ridhiwani Kikwete, has offered to appear before the ethics watchdog to clarify claims linking him to a chain of petrol stations that were recently targeted during public unrest.
He urged authorities to summon all implicated leaders, starting with himself, to ensure transparency and restore public trust.
Addressing ministry staff on 26 November 2025, Kikwete said that complaints about public leaders have multiplied in recent weeks, making it difficult for the public to know which claims are accurate and which are rumours. He cited an incident in which petrol stations belonging to a private company were torched after some citizens mistakenly believed they were linked to him. “If there is any question about me — summon me. Let the truth come out,” he said.
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The minister stressed that the arson caused significant harm to employees and operations, despite the stations being privately owned. He urged the ethics commission to investigate all leaders implicated in citizen complaints, ensuring a fair and thorough review.
Kikwete highlighted the importance of public service integrity and adherence to ethical standards in governance. Tanzanian law requires public officials to act with transparency, accountability, and honesty. By volunteering for questioning, the minister signalled his confidence in the system and commitment to maintaining public trust.
The oversight agency has not yet confirmed whether it will formally summon him or other leaders, but Kikwete’s statement emphasises that investigations and facts should guide public discourse, not rumours or assumptions.
