Former Tanzanian Prime Minister Joseph Warioba has raised concern over the whereabouts of ex-Vice President Dr. Emmanuel Nchimbi, saying he has been unable to reach him since his resignation.
Warioba, who was speaking at the Tanzania Democracy Forum organized by the Tanganyika Law Society, said he has tried calling Nchimbi several times but his calls have gone unanswered.
His remarks come amid reports circulating online that Nchimbi’s phones have been confiscated and that he is being held incommunicado. Since announcing his resignation as Vice President on August 25, Nchimbi has not been seen in public, has not attended any event, and has not posted on his social media accounts.
Nchimbi resigned less than a year after being sworn in on November 3, 2025, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s running mate. A day after his resignation, CCM Secretary-General Dr. Asha-Rose Migiro announced that the party’s Central Committee and National Executive Committee had unanimously expelled him from the party on disciplinary and ethical grounds.
Warioba defended Nchimbi, describing him as a politician with a strong stance and not a sycophant.
He said that in all the years he has known Nchimbi, from his time as a young cadre in CCM to his service as Secretary-General, he never engaged in praising leaders for personal gain and could not tolerate sycophancy.
Warioba recalled an incident when CHADEMA leaders, including John Heche, were arrested. He said Nchimbi, who was then CCM Secretary-General, called for their release, arguing that political parties should compete on ideas and not use what he called “small matters” to suppress opponents.
He also quoted a principle Nchimbi often cited from the CCM membership pledge: “I will always tell the truth, backbiting is unnecessary,” adding that nowadays those who tell the truth are labelled as moles.
The claims about Nchimbi’s whereabouts have not been confirmed by the government or CCM. Security organs and the party have not commented on the online reports.
Meanwhile, President Samia has nominated Energy Minister and Chamwino MP Deogratius Ndejembi, 43, to replace Nchimbi. His name has been submitted to Parliament for approval ahead of his expected swearing-in on September 9.
