Tragedy strikes Tanzania’s ruling CCM as Peramiho MP dies shortly after bloody elections
By Ascah Mwango, December 11, 2025Tanzania is in mourning following the sudden death of Member of Parliament Jenista Joakim Mhagama, who passed away on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma.
In a statement shared by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on her Instagram page, she expressed deep regret over the passing of the Peramiho MP.
She extended her condolences to the Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Azzan Zungu, citizens of Peramiho, and Mhagama’s family, relatives, and friends.
President Samia highlighted Mhagama’s long-standing service to the nation, noting that for 38 years, she had been a prominent member of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), a youth and women leader, minister in various government phases, and an advisor to many in politics and life.
“Nimepokea kwa masikitiko taarifa ya kifo cha Mbunge wa Jimbo la Peramiho, Mheshimiwa Jenista Joakim Mhagama. Ninatoa pole kwa Spika wa Bunge la Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania, Mheshimiwa Mussa Azzan Zungu, wananchi wa Jimbo la Peramiho, familia, ndugu, jamaa na marafiki. Kwa miaka 38, Mheshimiwa Mhagama amekuwa mwanachama mahiri wa Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), kiongozi wa vijana, kiongozi wa wanawake, waziri katika awamu mbalimbali na mnasihi wa wengi katika siasa na maisha. Mwenyezi Mungu ailaze roho yake mahali pema peponi. Amina,” Suluhu stated.
Loosely translated as;
“I have received with sadness the news of the death of the Member of Parliament for Peramiho, Honourable Jenista Joakim Mhagama. I extend my condolences to the Speaker of the National Assembly of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honorable Mussa Azzan Zungu, the people of Peramiho Constituency, her family, relatives, and friends.
For 38 years, Honorable Mhagama was a distinguished member of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), a leader of the youth, a leader of women, a minister in various administrations, and an advisor to many in politics and in life. May God rest her soul in paradise. Amen.”
Her death was confirmed by Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu, who described it as a profound loss for Parliament and the nation.
Mhagama, who represented the Peramiho constituency in Ruvuma Region, died at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. She had been a prominent public servant for nearly two decades, known for her work in government and efforts to advance development projects in her constituency.
Born on June 23, 1967, Mhagama began her career as a teacher before entering politics. She was first elected MP for Peramiho in December 2005 and held the seat continuously until her death.
Over her career, she served in several high-level government positions, including Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office responsible for policy and parliamentary affairs, and Minister of State in the President’s Office for Good Governance and Public Services. Most recently, she served as Minister of Health until October 2025.
Jenista Mhagama’s passing comes at a sensitive time in Tanzania’s political landscape. The country is still dealing with the fallout from the October 29, 2025, general elections, which were controversial and triggered protests. President Samia Suluhu was declared the winner with nearly 98% of the vote, amid opposition boycotts and public unrest.
The disputed election led to violent protests, with security forces deployed to control demonstrations. The government has faced criticism from international rights groups over restrictions on freedoms and human rights during the unrest.