Kigoma South MP, David Kafulila (NCCR-Mageuzi)
reactions from the Members of Parliament yesterday, saying there was no guarantee of the informant's safety after disclosure.
They were contributing to the Whistleblower and Witness Protection
Bill, 2015 that was tabled in the House for the second and third
reading.
David Silinde (Mbozi West -Chadema) expressed worry over
implementation of the law because some of the competent authorities that
whistleblowers should provide them with information were not
trustworthy.
He gave an example of Kenya whereas witnesses who testified in the
case against their national leaders at the Hague International Criminal
Court (ICC) were tortured.
He suggested for the law makers to rewrite the bill before it was
endorsed as some of the sections were not clear and do not guarantee the
safety of the witnesses and whistleblowers.
Kigoma South MP, David Kafulila (NCCR-Mageuzi) complained over poor
treatment of informers. He gave an example of the situation he had
faced after revealing the Tegeta Escrow scandal. He said:
“Whistleblowers are not safe…my life was threatened and police took no
measure to protect him”.
According to him a safe and confidential mechanism enabling public
servants and the general public to disclose wrongdoings committed in
the public sector should be in place. It should also protect from
reprisal public servants who have disclosed wrongdoing and those who
have cooperated in investigations.
Defending the bill, deputy finance minister, Adam Malima said it
was necessary due to the fact that organised crime had now become a
syndicated and more serious in the country. He urged that the law does
not intend to victimise political parties or individuals.
“There is a section where the whistleblower shall be relocated or
transferred pending on the kind of information he/she has revealed,” he
said.
Rajab Mbarouk (Ole-CUF) claimed that Whistleblower and Witness
Protection Act sidelines Isle residents as it states that it shall be
applicable in Tanzania mainland. He urged for inclusion of Zanzibar
because terrorism and other forms of crime may occur or be organized in
both parts of the country.
Special Seats legislator, Mary Mwanjelwa (CCM) said that most of
the people opt to hold information over fears of lack of protection. She
urged the government to ensure protection of the whistleblowers so as
to get information that is likely to enhance justice and good
governance.
Moses Machali (Kasulu Town- NCCR-Mageuzi) blamed the government’s
reluctance to work on the provided information. He however urged that
government officials or any leader who reveals the names of the
informant and witness be punished or jailed.
Attorney General (AG) George Masaju said that among the factors
that pushed for establishment of the law was public and legislator’s
complaints on corruption matters. He said the law would help the
government to combat the problem.
Convincing the MPs to accept the bill, vice chairman of the
Parliamentary Committee on Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Gosbert
Blandes said the committee had suggested for amendment of Section 4 of
the bill to allow whistleblowers to give information to the authorities
of their choice.
The committee also suggested that whistle blowing should not be
restricted to individuals. He said the law must also recognise
institutions and civil society organisations as whistleblowers.
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