Kasmuel challenges regional leaders to learn from Tanzania’s election unrest
By Luke Oluoch, October 31, 2025Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Youth leader Kasmuel McOure has challenged leaders from the East African region to draw lessons from the ongoing violence witnessed in Tanzania.
In an interview with a local TV station on Friday, October 31, 2025, McOure attributed the chaos witnessed in the country to a leadership problem, especially when the people in power disregard democracy and seek to impose their will on the people.
The youthful politician blamed the country’s current regime, led by President Samia Suluhu, for making its own bed by failing to preserve the democratic space through a crackdown on the opposition leaders.
Shrinking democratic space
“Suluhu got into power after Mugufuli left. Magufuli had his own dictatorial tendencies, but Mama Suluhu’s regime has seen growing concerns around her presidency. The consistent suppression of dissenting voices will always result in an angered mass. Tanzania is a case of why preserving democratic space is important, even if you disagree with other people. People claimed that the president was running against herself,” he added.
He also stated that the country’s youth-led protest gives credence to the ever-enlightened youth and those aware of their political rights.
“Young people have come of age with no opportunity despite studying, and they have shown that when things are not right, they will demand change,” he added.
McOure has urged leaders to draw crucial lessons from the events in Tanzania as far as what responsible leadership entails.
“The demos are a clarion for the leaders; they should have leadership that cares for the people, preserve and address the shrinking democracy, and fulfill their promises to the people,” he added.
Unlike the scenes witnessed moments after the election results had been announced, Tanzania’s chaos took a different direction with citizens sparking protests moments after the polls opened on Wednesday, October 29, 2025.
Mcoure’s sentiments were also echoed by former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana, who praised Tanzanian youth for pushing back against what he calls an erosion of democratic rights as tension rises after the country’s general election.
In a post on X on Thursday, 30 October 2025, Kibwana said the spirit of Nyerere had entered Tanzanian Gen Z citizens and opposition figure Tundu Lissu. He argued that they are demanding their country back and called for reforms to ensure credible elections.