Ridhiwani assumes role as new legislator for Chalinze

President Jakaya Kikwete’s son, Ridhiwani, officially assumed his new role as an MP follwoing his swearing in yesterday.

Ridhwani was sworn in as Chalinze MP alongside Godfrey Mgimwa who was also swon in as the new Kalenga MP. The two are all first-time CCM legislators.

They were sworm in the morning as the August house kicked off the 2014/2015 budget sessions in Dodoma yesterday.

Mr Ridhiwani who emerged winner in the Chalinze by-election last month and Mr Godfrey Mgimwa who won in Kalenga byelection a month earlier were sworn in by the Speaker Ms Anne Makinda before the start of the question and answers session.

Both Mr Kikwete and Mr Mgimwa were accompanied by their close relatives who include first lady Salma Kikwete and the late finance minister William Mgimwa widow Ms Jane Mgimwa.

Ms Mgimwa was overcome by immotion as she broke in tears when his son was sworn in.The youngere Mgimwa succed his father who died in South Africa early in the year where he was being treated.

Speaking to reporters shortly after they were sworn in both Mps promised to implement the rulling CCM 2010 manifesto.

Mr Kikwete, who is also a member of Rulling CCM National Executive Committee (NEC), succeeded Mr Saidi Bwanamdogo whi died midterm. The same constituency was represented for nearly two decades by President Kikwete.

Their nominations especially devided opinion among the public. Some critisized Mr Kikwete’s nomination citing that he would use his father President Jakaya Kikwete’s influence o win the election.

A post byelection report by Legal and Human Right Center (LHRC) claimed that state machinery unfairly favoured Mr Kikwete. The candidate and the party denied the accusations and argued they were free like any other Tanzanians to stand for an elective post.

The report allege that most of the ruling party’s campaign rallies were attended by senior government officials who enjoyed state resources including security details and vehicles.

The report also claims the police strengthened security during rallies organised by the ruling party compared to those organised by other parties.

The Citizen

UM– USEKE.RW