Tanzanians are growing increasingly concerned about the whereabouts of Vice-President Philip Mpango, who has been absent from public view for more than a month.
Speculation about his health has arisen, especially after he was noticeably absent from a recent science conference in Arusha, represented instead by a cabinet minister.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa has urged caution against spreading unfounded rumors about the vice president’s well-being, stating that Mr. Mpango is currently abroad for official duties.
This is not the first time concerns have surfaced about his health, as similar rumors circulated before he assumed the role of vice president.
Before his current position, Mr. Mpango served as the finance minister under the late President John Magufuli.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, he had to dispel a false rumor about his death during a news conference in Dodoma.
Notably, he was last seen in public on October 31, representing President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting.
President Hassan had to cut short her trip to Dubai on Monday to address deadly landslides in the northern region, but Mr. Mpango has yet to comment on the tragic events in the Hanang region.
Social media users are expressing concerns about his uncharacteristic silence and are worried about his health.
Prime Minister Majaliwa, however, has emphasized that citizens should refrain from speculating about the vice president’s whereabouts, stating firmly that Dr. Philip Mpango is on official duties abroad.
Despite these assurances, Mr. Mpango’s office has not provided immediate comments on the matter.
The mystery surrounding the vice-president’s absence continues to raise questions among Tanzanians.
Concerns Mount Over Missing Tanzanian Vice-President Philip Mpango, Concerns Mount Over Missing Tanzanian Vice-President Philip Mpango
