Concerns have been raised by some Tanzanians regarding the prolonged absence of Vice-President Philip Mpango, who has not made any public appearances for over a month. Speculation intensified when he was notably absent from a scheduled science conference in Arusha, with a cabinet minister standing in on his behalf.
Amidst rumors circulating about his health, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa cautioned against engaging in unfounded speculation. He clarified that the vice-president is currently abroad, fulfilling official duties. Notably, this is not the first instance where rumors about Mr. Mpango’s health have surfaced.
Prior to assuming the role of vice-president, Mr. Mpango, aged 66, served as the finance minister under the late President John Magufuli. In March 2021, President Magufuli passed away in office. A month earlier, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Mpango vehemently denied rumors of his own demise at a news conference in Dodoma. At that time, he paid tribute to senior government officials who had succumbed to the virus.
Under the constitutional provisions of Tanzania, in the event of the president’s death, resignation, permanent incapacitation, or disqualification, the vice-president assumes the presidency for the remainder of the term.
The last public sighting of Mr. Mpango occurred on October 31, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting of the Southern African Development Community. President Hassan recently curtailed her trip in Dubai to address fatal landslides in the northern region. Some social media users have expressed concerns about Mr. Mpango’s uncharacteristic silence, particularly in light of the tragedy in the Hanang region, while others are apprehensive about his health.
Prime Minister Majaliwa, however, urged citizens to refrain from speculative discussions about the vice-president’s whereabouts. “Ignore the unfounded information on social media; Dr. Philip Mpango is currently out of the country on official duties,” emphasized Mr. Majaliwa on Saturday.
As of now, Mr. Mpango’s office has not provided immediate comments on the matter.
