Tanzania went to the polls on October 29, and many people thought that, just as with other general elections they had held, it was going to be peacefulIt was anything but peaceful, as citizens disputed the way the elections were handled, some of their opposition leaders were jailed, and the final results were contestedBy the time the final results were announced, President Samia Suluhu Hassan was in the lead with 97% of the total votes cast Election violence erupted shortly afterwards, and more than 3,000 people lost their lives, while women went missing, and a significant number were arrested A mother attended a university graduation ceremony on behalf of her son, who was killed by the police on October 29, during the killings of youths demanding change in the country.
Grieving mum who wore a gown to son’s graduation. Photo: Wanachi Forum.
Source: FacebookThe unrest began when the country went to the polls, and citizens were unhappy that some of their leaders had been thrown in jail and disputed the results.
According to Wananchi Forum, the young man was killed while on his way home, just a few days before he was set to graduate.
At the ceremony, his mother wore the graduate’s attire and carried a picture of her son as a symbol of honouring him and recognising his efforts in reaching the point of graduation.
The event left deep sorrow and reignited questions about accountability for the deaths of the youths that occurred on that day.
Since election day, families have been traumatised by the deaths of their loved ones; some had to bury clothes as there were no bodies, while some had to conduct a burial mass twice as they were unable to find bodies at first, but later found them.
Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, counsellor Da Mathews Were said that grief manifests in different ways, and what they went through as a country was quite traumatising.
“She is trying her best, and it is very commendable to try to keep his memory alive and recognise his achievements,” he said. “She, however, needs professional help, and the healing process will not be immediate, but she will get there one day,” he said. How did netizens console her?Nic DE Chacha:
“Sjui mama kama huyu unawezaje ukamwambia maridhiano akakuelewa.”Amida Mwagala:
“Wanaotumia simu ndogo wana amani sanaa mioyoni mwao sisi wenye simu kubwa kila siku tunalia mana ukiwasha data tu lazma ulie pole sanaa mama.”Baba Saira:
“Kunammoja alikua mwaka wa pili chuo na alikaa kijijini kwao pale lusanga muheza vizur wakat akiwa likizo akawa anasubili tarehe 3 vyuo vifunguliwe arud Dar es salaam lkn mwenzie akampigia simu njoo dar before October 29, kilichomponza nikuwaacha wenzie Ndani na kufuata mkate ….rip kijana wetu.” Aisha Ahmad:
“Pole sana mwanamke mwenzangu kwakuondokewa na mwanao viatu hivi kuvivaa ningum sana kwa mwenye akili nirahisi kwa wasiojtambua nmeumia sana yani Mungu tusmamie peke yetu hatuwezi.”Maria Popitoli:
“Pole sana mwanamke mwenzangu najua maumivu unayoyapitia kwa sasa.”Jeny Jenifa:
“Pole sana mama angu, watoto wa wengine wanastarehe lakini wa wengine wameshatangulizwa kwa muumba. Kiukweli unatakiwa uwajibikaji uonekane kwa vitendo.”Mum mourns daughter shot dead during electionsTanzanian truck driver Tina who was shot dead during election chaos. Photo: 7tinahbabytz.
Source: FacebookIn another story, a mother was mourning her daughter, Tin, who impressed many on social media after she took up a job in a field that is mostly widely dominated by men.
With her hustle, she was able to provide for her family, buy properties and take care of her a single mother after their dad passed away
The young lady sadly became a victim of the violent protests that rocked Tanzania, leaving her family grief-stricken.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
Authors:
Susan Mwenesi (Human-Interest editor)
Susan Mwenesi is a Human Interest editor. She studied Journalism and Public Relations at TU-K, International Center for Journalists’ Early Childhood Development Reporting, Google News Initiative Training on Advance Digital Reporting, Fighting Misinformation, and Experimenting with New Formats (2024). Over 10 years, Susan has worked at K24, Baraka FM, Health Media,TechMoran. She is a Bloomberg Media Initiative, National Geographic, International Centre for Journalists, KICTANet, AKU Graduate School of Media, Communications Digital ABC training by WAN-IFRA fellow. Email: [email protected]
