Politics

Tanzanian President Appoints Daughter and Son-in-Law to Cabinet

Helen Okoro 3 days ago 3 min read

By : Chinasaokwu Helen Okoro

Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan has ignited fresh debate over political nepotism after appointing her daughter and son-in-law to key government positions in a sweeping cabinet reshuffle.

The appointments, announced in a televised address from Chamwino State House in Dodoma on Monday, November 17, have sparked intense public discussion about governance, merit, and the growing trend of family-linked political leadership across East Africa.

In the new lineup, President Samia unveiled 27 ministers and 29 deputy ministers, replacing seven senior officials from the previous cabinet. Among the most notable appointments is her 43-year-old daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who has been named Deputy Minister of Education. Wanu, the representative of Makunduchi Constituency in Zanzibar, is already an established political figure, but her elevation to a national leadership role has drawn scrutiny over whether family ties influenced the decision.

Equally striking is the appointment of Samia’s son-in-law, Mohamed Mchengerwa, as Minister of Health. The 46-year-old lawmaker represents Rufiji Constituency in Tanzania’s Pwani Region and has previously served in government. His new portfolio places him at the helm of one of Tanzania’s most critical ministries, especially at a time when healthcare reform and system strengthening remain national priorities.

The reshuffle did not stop with the presidential family. The new cabinet also features Ridhwani Kikwete, son of former President Jakaya Kikwete, who has been named Minister of Public Service Management and Good Governance. The 46-year-old Chalinze lawmaker’s inclusion adds another layer to the ongoing conversation about political dynasties within the ruling establishment.

Other key changes include Finance Minister Khamis Mussa Omar, who replaces Mwigulu Nchemba following his elevation to Prime Minister last week. Meanwhile, Mahmoud Thabit Kombo retains his role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation, offering some continuity in Tanzania’s diplomatic and regional engagement agenda. The newly appointed cabinet members are expected to be sworn in on Tuesday.

President Samia’s decision to place immediate family members in powerful positions mirrors an increasingly familiar pattern among some African political leaders. In Uganda, President Yoweri Museveni has for years appointed relatives to prominent state roles, including First Lady Janet Museveni as Minister of Education and their son, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has risen through the ranks of the military to lead the defence forces. These appointments have long stirred accusations of entrenching family rule.

A similar spotlight recently fell on Rwanda, where President Paul Kagame faced questions over whether he was grooming his daughter, Ange Ingabire Kagame, for political office. Kagame dismissed the speculation, insisting she held no special entitlement within the political sphere. Still, both of his sons are currently enlisted in the Rwanda Defence Forces, echoing a governance structure where family involvement in national affairs is increasingly normalized.

Critics argue that such appointments blur the line between public service and private loyalty, weakening democratic institutions and undermining merit-based leadership. Supporters, however, insist that political families often produce individuals well-experienced in statecraft, and that lineage should not automatically disqualify capable candidates.

For President Samia, who came into office in 2021 pledging reform and unity, the appointments mark a bold and controversial moment in her tenure. While her allies argue that the reshuffle reflects a push for efficiency and trusted leadership, the optics of placing relatives in top government roles may complicate her political legacy.

As Tanzania prepares for the formal swearing-in of its new cabinet, the nation—and the region—will be watching closely to see how these leadership choices shape the next chapter of Samia’s presidency.