BIBI TITI MOHAMED: HEROINE OR TRAITOR?

Bibi Titi Mohamed played a crucial role in securing Tanzania’s freedom from the British. Together with Julius Nyerere, she pioneered the independence of her country. Many call her the mother of the nation and remember her as a heroic freedom fighter who fought for women’s equality, education and empowerment. But others felt that she betrayed the struggle when she turned against Nyerere.

She, alongside other politicians, were charged with secretly planning to stage a coup and to assassinate Nyerere. They were accused of seeking help from South Africa’s apartheid regime to expel Nyerere - treason charges she vehemently denied, but which landed her in prison.

African Stream’s Brenda Mwai takes a look back at her complicated life. Let us know if you think she’s hero or villain!