Lipumba Clings to Death Penalty for Albino killers.

The government has been pressured to sign the death sentence penalty for all convicts involved in killing people with albinism (PWA) in the country.

The Civic United Front (CUF) Chairman Prof. Ibrahim Lipumba was responding to the CEOrt 2015 presidential aspirants debate on Thursday that despite the fact that death sentence sounds bad in the society, it befits culprits involved in killing people with albinism.

Prof. Lipumba said President Jakaya Kikwete need to sign the death sentence for such convicts in order to show a lesson to others involved in such inhuman acts.

He said the move is also likely to halt the ongoing killings and reduce superstitious beliefs that stand at 60 percent compared to our counterparts in Kenya with a 24 per cent rate.

Responding to a question on what his party plans to do in an efforts to return and retain Tanzanian’s good image internationally with regards to inhuman acts to people with albinism, he said police would be empowered with investigation techniques and ensure the change of mindsets to the public about superstitious beliefs with regard to albino body parts.

The national leader for the new opposition party, Alliance for Change and Transparency (ACT) Wazalendo, Zitto Kabwe said such a situation involves the participation of every citizen and ensure that people with albinism are protected.

Kabwe said while at Buhangija center in Shinyanga Region, which offers protecting to people with albinism, he witnessed that they are faced with hardships in accommodation because five people were sharing a mattress.

“This is as good as killing them softly; we need the public, and private sector to collaborate with the government to solve the problems facing people with albinism,” he said.

He added, “People with albinism should not be left to stay in isolation, they should housed in homes where they can mingle with various other people while at the same time increasing security over them”.

Meanwhile, the NCCR- Mageuzi National Chairman, James Mbatia said the tainted image the country has overseas with regards to killings of people with albinism has also affected the national economy because tourists are afraid to visit the country on fear of being attached due to their skin colour resemblance to PWA.

According to the National League for Democracy (NLD) national leader, Emmanuel Makaidi allegations, few government leaders are witchcrafts, spearheading the killings of PWA in the country saying drastic measures need to be taken especially as the country moves towards general elections.

Regarding the opposition party’s stand on corruption and public resources embezzlement, they said lack of patriotism is needed in the government to avert loss of public funds.

The opposition leaders said public organs fighting against corruption are corrupt themselves, so there is need to overhaul the whole system for better results in fighting the menace.

Tanzania organs involved in fighting corruption include; Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB) the Controller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Police Force should be given the power to file corruption cases at the courts.

 The opposition leaders also commented on poor provision of social services in education, health and other sectors saying the poor economy and leadership was to blame.

“The government needs ensure that regional companies operating in the country gives priority to local citizens as a move to fight unemployment challenges” the opposition party leaders stressed in their separate comments.

According to NLD chairman local industries development especially in agro-processing can fight unemployment challenges facing the country 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN