Tanzanian authorities are currently investigating individuals on social media who have been accused of spreading false information regarding the health of Vice President Philip Mpango.
Mr. Mpango reappeared on Sunday after being absent from public view for more than a month, which brought relief and put an end to widespread rumours of his death.
Information Minister Nape Nnauye has instructed authorities to look into those responsible for spreading these speculations.
Mr. Mpango expressed his distress over the false rumours that were circulating on social media.
The vice president was last seen in public on October 31st, when he represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan during a virtual meeting of leaders from the Southern African Development Community.
There have been varying opinions about the return of the vice president and the rumours surrounding his absence. Some argue that the government mishandled the situation by not providing clear information about where he was.
His absence caused widespread concern, and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa had previously cautioned against speculation.
However, the vice president surprised everyone by showing up unannounced at a Sunday service in the capital, Dodoma. He stated that he was in good health and had not lost any weight. Tanzanians are still wondering where the vice president had gone.
“There have been photos circulating alongside a candle and claims that I have passed away. It’s too early; I haven’t completed the job God sent me to do,” Mr Mpango said.
“I will return to my maker only when my time comes. I’m grateful for your prayers.”
The individual made it clear that they had been overseas for specific tasks but did not provide any further information.
In response to Mr. Mpango’s request for social media users to act responsibly, the minister of information instructed the appropriate government agencies to take measures against individuals who spread rumours about the Vice President’s location.
“Any freedom that infringes on the freedom of another person amounts to disobedience of the law; we cannot have a society that views that as normal,” Mr Nnauye posted on X (formerly Twitter).
He added that his directive was not a threat but a move to “protect people’s freedom.”
He did not specify which laws may have been violated.
In 2018, Tanzania implemented stringent legislation to combat the dissemination of false information, which critics argue is a means of suppressing freedom of speech.
This is not the first instance of rumours circulating regarding Mr. Mpango’s health.
The vice president, who later met President Hassan at Chamwino State House on Sunday, revealed that his sister had fainted in 2021 after receiving false reports about his well-being.
President Hassan advised the VP to recognise that he is a public figure who should be prepared for such speculation.