It is with an ambivalence of sadness and joy that I pen this prognosis on the recently debacle, democratic nevertheless, ensued amongst the CHADEMA top brass. Now I for one abhor lukewarmness just as the author of that psychedellic book of revelation, but on this I have to measure things with Solomonic insight if not wisdom.
I listened to Mwanakijiji's hour long rollercoaster webcast, from the Intro down to the Melody taarab tunes.I went even further to viewing Mr. Wangwe's video clip of his harangues on that august floor. I must say the back and forthing in the arguments and counter arguments will leave many a heart unchanged, and many a careful observers with the worst possible prognosis.
I will not mince words, if it was a battle of wits and oratory Tundu Lissu tried his best, but Chacha Wangwe is a master of the counter attack and the jujitsu of flinging arguments and words at his opponent like a domino.However confusing, I came out with the following.
1. It is true that Chacha Wangwe is not party leadership material.All political correctness aside I am not wondering why is CHADEMA's top brass ousting him now, I am wondering how did they put up with him for so long and how did he even get there.
2.Although Chacha Wangwe is no party leadership material, he is a passionate "Shakesperean Fool" a necessary and effective clown who tells the truth in a clownish way and delivers the message. I was watching his bunge clip (thanks to Kuhani) and in analysing what he said came with the conclusion that there is nothing fundamentally wrong with what he sadi, the core subjects of what he was talking about were very valid and the Tanzanian people actually need to have MPs who can speak up for them. But I have to say the delivery was less than mediocre, it was actually horrible, to the extent of giving Speaker Sitta ammunition to make Wangwe rescind his ad libbing (thats what it was) that the government is run by Indians. He was colloquial and impromptu, with no preparation whatsoever. Presentation zero, presentation can make or break your case.In this case he was taken lass seriously on some very serious matters.Those who know a Shakespearean fool will recognize him as one.
3. The loser in this debacle is CHADEMA. The two interviews exposed clear weaknesses on both parts. CHADEMA failed to have a tight vetting process and let this fiery vagabond slip through the cracks to the level of national leadership.This is weak and scary for a party that is the de facto alternative.
In addition to that, Chacha Wangwe has some unimpeachable points in his argument that he is being prosecuted for exposing weakness in his party.Take the tribalism / regionalism charge, out of the six special seats MPs only one can claim not to be closely affiliated with the Chaggas / Kilimanjaro region.Three are Chaggas, one is a Pare, which does not figure in to tribalism if you want to apply that criteria strictly, but as everyone knows the Chaggas and Pares are next door neighbors and this plays into regionalism, the lst one is married to a Chagga, therefore a Chagga-in-law. CHADEMA cannot afford the appearance of tribalism / regionalism let alone the real thing.
4. Although this debacle exposes CHADEMA negatively, it also can be argued that it can have the effect of potraying CHADEMA as a party where indiscipline is not tolerated.To expounge Mr. Wangwe at this point may not be a politically savvy move, but as Tundu Lissu pointed out, it was based on upholding principles.If a party has so much respect for principles such as collective responsibility to the extent of sacrificing it's political clout, I give more power to it for that, not less. CHADEMA can now shine in the wake of anticipated ridicule andcapitalization based on this debacle and claim that at least it is not in the habit of "kulindana" and tolerating indiscipline in its ranks.
Overall, CHADEMA shines more than it lose, a Swahili saying "Heri nusu shari kuliko shari kamili" may summarize the CHADEMA rationale, that we erred in letting Mr. Wangwe climb the leadership ladder, but we cannot let his ill behavior continue to sabotage the party. We can deal with his controversial ousting, what we cannot deal with is the unpredictable outcome of inaction.
For that CHADEMA should be congratulated.