A local branch of Tanzania’s main opposition party, Chadema, announced the expulsion of former director John Mrema, a decision Mrema strongly rejects, citing procedural issues and lack of jurisdiction.
(Dar es Salaam) – A dispute has emerged within Tanzania’s Party for Democracy and Progress (Chadema) after its Bonyokwa branch announced it had stripped former party director John Mrema of his membership, a move Mr. Mrema has publicly contested.
News of Mr. Mrema’s expulsion circulated on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, through a letter attributed to the Bonyokwa branch leadership. The letter, reportedly written by Solomini Kagaruki on behalf of the branch Secretary, accuses Mr. Mrema, the party’s former Director of Protocol, Communications, and Foreign Affairs, of several violations. These include defiance, disrespect towards party authorities, and disregard for the party’s ethics, traditions, and foundational principles.
The Bonyokwa branch communication alleges that Mr. Mrema showed contempt for the disciplinary process by dismissing the branch’s inquiry letter and distributing it on social media, rather than using the time allocated to present his defense to the branch leadership. Mr. Kagaruki stated that despite being asked to explain himself, Mr. Mrema allegedly continued his transgressions by opposing and mocking the party’s official positions and programs during a press conference held on April 22, 2025.
“You continued to hold your position of publicly accusing the party, knowing well that this is neither Chadema’s culture nor its principles,” the letter stated, according to reports. “After a detailed discussion regarding the accusations against you, the committee has concluded that you have lost the qualifications to be a Chadema member.”
The letter further informed Mr. Mrema: “In accordance with the Chadema Constitution of 2006, 2019 edition, Article 5.4.3, you are officially stripped of your membership within the Bonyokwa branch effective from the date of this letter. However, you have the opportunity to appeal to a higher level if you are not satisfied with this penalty.” The letter was reportedly copied to the Chadema Secretary-General.
Following the circulation of the letter, Chadema’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, confirmed the central office’s awareness of the situation. Writing on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Ms. Rupia stated: “The Office of the Secretary-General has received a copy of this letter from the Bonyokwa branch leadership stating that John Mrema has been expelled from membership under the authority of Article 7.2.11. The letter has been received and filed.” When contacted by Mwananchi newspaper, Ms. Rupia reportedly confirmed the office had received the letter regarding Mr. Mrema’s expulsion.
However, Mr. Mrema issued a public statement strongly refuting the legitimacy of his expulsion. He asserted his status as a valid Chadema member, holding membership card number 0111, recognized under party Rules 5.1 and 5.2. “The letter being circulated does not concern me because it did not mention my membership number; perhaps there is someone with the same name,” Mr. Mrema stated.
He further argued that the letter failed to specify the membership card number being nullified, adding, “Therefore, it is entirely possible this letter does not pertain to me at all.”
Crucially, Mr. Mrema contested the Bonyokwa branch’s authority over him, stating that his officially registered branch is Makongo, not Bonyokwa, and that this information is available within Chadema’s digital membership system. He cited party Rule 5.3, which outlines the procedure for a member to notify the branch secretary when relocating. “Therefore, residing in a particular area does not automatically make one a member of that area’s branch if the relevant rule’s procedure has not been followed,” he argued, adding, “which is why I have never participated in any meeting of the Bonyokwa branch because it is not my branch.”
“The Bonyokwa branch does not have the authority to strip me of membership because I am not a member of that branch,” Mr. Mrema concluded. “I am a legitimate member of Chadema until action is taken according to the Constitution and Rules of the party.”
The situation highlights an internal party conflict regarding disciplinary procedures and branch jurisdiction, with the Bonyokwa branch asserting its decision based on constitutional articles, while Mr. Mrema challenges the fundamental validity of their action against him based on party rules and his official registration.