Membe had little political stain, a rarity for an African politician

bernard membe

Tanzanian late politician Bernard Kamillius Membe. PHOTO | THE CITIZEN

When Bernard Kamilius Membe was born 69 years ago in Lindi region, Tanzania was not even in existence as a republic and today’s ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) wasn’t even established yet.

He died on Friday, leaving a divisive legacy: Was he a rebel in the CCM? A soft-spoken former intelligence officer who became a diplomat? Or an under-achieving politician?