Tanzania: President Kikwete’s son heat back on graft accusations
By Own Correspondent, Dar es Salaam – The son of the incumbent Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete, Ridhiwani Kikwete has bounced back on his critics who have recently being accusing him of accumulating unaccountable wealth allegedly through corrupt means. Ridhiwani, an advocate of the High of Tanzania, spoke to the press yesterday in Dar es Salaam to reply accusations level
- Mr Christopher Mtikila
against him by two politicians. Chadema’ Dr. Willbroad Slaa recently said Ridhiwani has accumulated billions of money in a short period while over the week end Democratic Party’s Rev. Christopher Mtikila warned also on amazing wealth under Ridhiwani who just graduated from Dar es Salaam University some five years ago.
- Ridhiwani Kikwete
“I’m not a billionaire, this is pure lies that are maliciously calculated at harming my reputation and cause hatred to my father too,” said Ridhiwani giving them seven days to explain his said wealth or else face court action. “Let them list what they said is my billion worth properties, otherwise I will take legal actions,” he warned.
He went on to warn journalists for what he blamed as “reporting everything said by politicians.” He advised reporters to be keen on what they report because one day they will be accountable for that.
Shout Africa.com is aware that Ridhiwani graduated with a law degree in late 2005, did practical training at a Dar es Salaam law firm IMMMA Advocates and in 2007 he joined the UK’s Hull University for a master’s degree in laws. He was admitted to the bar in 2010 and has currently established his personal law firm.
- Dr. Wilbroad Slaa
His accusers claim he has accumulated billions worthy of money and properties using his father’s name and that he have invested in a number of commercial entities. Dr. Slaa on his part, a staunch anti graft politician, said he had credible evidence with him.
It is Dr. Slaa who was able in 2007 and again last year to name openly what he calls “list of shame”; a list containing most corrupt leaders and individuals in Tanzania. Most of the named were later on linked to a number of graft scandals and even though most of them threatened court action, none has done so to date.
