Tanzanians are expressing worry over the absence of Vice-President Philip Mpango, who has not been publicly seen for more than a month.
Expected to attend a science conference in Arusha on Wednesday, the Vice-President was represented by a cabinet minister, prompting speculations about his well-being.
Amid concerns about his health, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa cautioned against rumors, clarifying that the vice-president was away from the country for official duties.
This isn’t the first instance of speculation regarding the vice-president’s health. Prior to assuming the vice-presidency, Mpango, 66, served as the finance minister under former President John Magufuli, who passed away in office in March 2021.
In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, Mpango rebutted a rumor about his own demise at a news conference in Dodoma, coughing intermittently as he paid tribute to deceased government officials.
As per the country’s constitution, in the event of the president’s death, resignation, incapacitation, or disqualification, the vice-president assumes the presidency for the remainder of the term.
Mpango was last publicly seen on October 31 while representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting of Southern African Development Community leaders.
President Hassan curtailed her trip in Dubai on Monday to address fatal landslides in the northern region, yet the Vice-President has remained silent regarding the Hanang region tragedy.
Amidst social media expressions of concern about Mpango’s unprecedented absence, some citizens have voiced worries about his health.
However, Prime Minister Majaliwa urged the public not to engage in speculations about the vice-president’s location or condition, emphasizing that Mpango is away on official duties.
As of now, there has been no immediate comment from Mpango’s office on the matter.
