MAN ARRESTED, QUESTIONED AFTER SH 720M CASH FOUND IN HIS HOTEL ROOM

There was drama at a hotel in Dodoma after TSh 720 million was found in the room of a middle-aged man.
The mid-morning incident fuelled speculation that CCM nomination candidates were splashing billions of shillings.
The Citizen could not, however, independently verify that the money found at the hotel was in any way related to the ongoing political campaigns, especially the high-stakes process to nominate CCM’s presidential candidate.
The development took place as CCM was holding meetings to pick its flag-bearer.
Rival camps in the party immediately pointed an accusing finger at one another over the huge stash of money found in possession of the Indian national.
Supporters of the various camps used social media to speculate on who may have been behind the matter, with most linking it with an alleged plot to bribe members of the CCM National Congress, which was due to convene last night.
Mr Bernard Membe, who was in the short list of five candidates picked by the Central Committee, later denied knowing the suspect.
“There is information that a suspect linked to me has been arrested with money in Dodoma. This is dirty politics that will not build our nation. Please don’t be misled by people who want to tarnish my image me after failing to find fault with us,” Mr Membe wrote on his Twitter account.
The suspect was confronted at the hotel by supporters of Mr Edward Lowassa, who had put up their operation base there. They forced him to open two bags he was carrying and found millions of shillings in Sh10,000, Sh5,000, and Sh2,000 notes.
He was immediately apprehended and police were called to the scene. His photos went viral on social media.
A team from the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau arrived shortly, and took him to the hotel’s restaurant where he was questioned for about two hours.
Police also inspected his room and found another bag stuffed with money. Police sources said a total of Sh720 million was found on the suspect.During its two year run, the project will award approximately 100 major reporting grants and provide mentoring to support the best ideas for stories on development issues. Journalists who produce the best stories published or broadcasted in media that reach African audiences, will win a major international reporting trip. During its two year run, the project will award approximately 100 major reporting grants and provide mentoring to support the best ideas for stories on development issues. Journalists who produce the best stories published or broadcasted in media that reach African audiences, will win a major international reporting trip.