Jesca Msambatavangu, a Tanzanian MP known for her recent fiery outbursts against Kenyan politician and lawyer, Martha Karua, has suffered a humiliating defeat in the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) primaries for Iringa Township.
Msambatavangu, who once called Karua’s face “a hopeless face” and insulted Kenyan Gen Z for allegedly lacking manners compared to Tanzanian youth, failed to secure the party’s nomination, finishing with just 408 votes.
The controversy erupted earlier this year when Karua was deported from Tanzania while attending opposition leader Tundu Lissu’s court case.
Msambatavangu’s remarks, seen as an attempt to curry favor with CCM and President Samia Suluhu Hassan, backfired spectacularly.
Instead, Fadhili Ngajilo emerged victorious with 1,899 votes, leaving Msambatavangu and other contenders, including former MP Peter Msigwa (477 votes), in the dust.
It is believed that her divisive comments alienated voters, especially as regional tensions simmered.
Ahead of the looming 2025 general elections in the Swahili-speaking nation, Msambatavangu’s political future hangs in the balance, a stark reminder that inflammatory rhetoric can come at a steep cost.
Meanwhile, Kenyans online have celebrated her loss with a mix of schadenfreude and calls for diplomatic harmony.
By Creatorhub