I have not left my wife: Ex-president Jakaya Kikwete

By William Osoro | 4yrs ago | 2 min read

**"I have not left her." Photo: Courtesy.**

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete has denied allegations that he has parted way with his wife Salma. Addressing a Chama Cha Mapenduzi (CCM) rally in Arusha on September 9 ahead of the October 28 General Elections, Mr Kiwete sought to put to rest the rumours propagated on social media.

“Should I, or should I not say?” Mr Kikwete posed to the crowd which cheered him on.

“I’ve heard that people were saying that 'this lady has been dumped and that's why she wants to become a Member of Parliament’. Do you want to take my wife from me? I have not left her,” said a laughing Mr Kiwete.

Making history

Mama Salma, as she's popularly referred to by Tanzanians made history in 2017 after becoming the first former first lady to become MP after being nominated by President John Magufuli. Mrs Kikwete's nomination was, however, viewed as a move to reach out to politicians with a big influence within CCM, as they were seen to be drifting away from the president. After Mr Kikwete stepped down in 2015 after serving 10 years as president as per the constitution limit, Mrs Kikwete vigorously campaigned for Mr Bernard Membe, a close family friend to clinch the CCM seat and succeed her husband.

Soon after clinching the seat, rumours started swirling that President Magufuli's crackdown on tax evasion at the Port of Dar es Salaam put him at odds with the Kikwete family as firms they were in business with were under investigation. However, Mr Kikwete and President Magufuli both dismissed the allegations as a mudslinging campaign.

Women empowerment

During her tenure as First Lady, Mama Salma was hailed for being at the forefront of empowering women. She founded the Wanawake na Maendeleo (Wama), a non-profit dealing with women empowerment. She also founded Wama Secondary School, an institution that enrols bright but disadvantaged girls.