MP dies shortly after bloody elections
Tanzania is in a state of mourning after the unexpected passing of Member of Parliament Jenista Joakim Mhagama, who died on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in Dodoma.
In a heartfelt statement posted on her Instagram, President Samia Suluhu Hassan shared her profound sorrow over the loss of the Peramiho MP.
She expressed her heartfelt condolences to the Speaker of Parliament, Mussa Azzan Zungu, as well as to the citizens of Peramiho and the family, relatives, and friends of Mhagama.
President Samia emphasized Mhagama’s dedicated service to the nation, pointing out that for an impressive 38 years, she was a key figure in Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), serving as a leader for youth and women, holding various ministerial roles throughout different government phases, and offering guidance to many in both 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.”
The news of her passing was confirmed by Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu, who expressed that it was a significant loss for both Parliament and the nation as a whole.
Mhagama, who served the Peramiho constituency in the Ruvuma Region, passed away at Benjamin Mkapa Hospital. She had dedicated nearly twenty years to public service, making a name for herself through her commitment to government work and her initiatives aimed at boosting development in her area.
Born on June 23, 1967, Mhagama started her professional journey as a teacher before stepping into the political arena. She was first elected as the MP for Peramiho in December 2005 and held that position right up until her death.
Throughout her career, she took on several key roles in the government, including Deputy Minister of Education and Vocational Training, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office overseeing policy and parliamentary affairs, and Minister of State in the President’s Office for Good Governance and Public Services. Most recently, she was serving as the Minister of Health until October 2025.
The loss of Jenista Mhagama comes at a particularly delicate moment in Tanzania’s political scene. The country is still grappling with the aftermath of the controversial general elections held on October 29, 2025, which sparked protests. President Samia Suluhu was announced as the winner with nearly 98% of the votes, despite opposition boycotts and public discontent.
The disputed election resulted in violent protests, prompting security forces to step in to manage the demonstrations. The government has faced backlash from international human rights organizations regarding the limitations placed on freedoms and human rights during this tumultuous period.
MP dies shortly after bloody elections
