Freeman Mbowe’s rare appearance at a government event in Dodoma on Thursday, 17th July 2025, has rattled a section of his CHADEMA members, supporters, and officials.
In an emotional and hard-hitting letter, Chadema member of the national committee Godbless Lema said Mbowe’s action of attending the launch of Tanzania’s national vision 2025-2050 was an insult and total disgrace to the principles and values of his Chadema party.
Lema accuses Mbowe of dining with the oppressor while their members are persecuted by the state every single day. He particularly hit at Mbowe for turning a blind eye to Tundu Lissu at his hour of need.
‘’Today, you attended a government function while our chairman, Tundu Lissu, is languishing in jail due to treason charges leveled against him. Our Party is not allowed to do politics, and some of our members are missing, others tortured, several killed.”
‘’You have not even appeared in court yet, nor have you ever spoken out against injustice being meted out to us’’
Lema recalled when Chadema party members and other well-wishers stood by Mbowe’s side when he was arrested during the late President John Magufuli’s regime and charged with terrorism. He said they did everything humanly possible to set him free.
‘’We were with you when you were arrested and charged with terrorism. We cried. We pressured. We were brutalized. We were persecuted. But we continued to stand up for you because we believed you were a righteous leader.’’ Said Lema
The firebrand Politician said in the wake of all the political atrocities they are facing as a party, Mbowe has chosen to respond with a loud silence.
‘’Today, you respond in silence. A bold silence.’’ Lament Lema
‘’Brother, it’s believed you’re angry at some of the words uttered by members during the party’s internal elections. Then, how can you be bitter with your party critics, but live at peace with those who persecuted you and called you a terrorist?’’
The former Arusha town MP wondered why Mbowe drastically changed his stands on some of the policies he initiated while still the chairman, a position he held for over 20 years.
‘’You were Chairman for over 20 years. I cannot write here the names of the people who lost their lives because they believed that our leadership had a true mission. We have buried them in almost every region of this country, and we have helped the injured. We have rescued a few from prison. And many of them fought for your name. They believed in the system that guided it. Today, what should we tell their families? While they are still paying the price of the struggle.”
Lema believes Mbowe’s new path is an act of betrayal, especially during their lowest moment, for not condemning the illegal detention of their party leader.
‘’You have never even spoken or written publicly about this ongoing persecution of CHADEMA and its leaders, especially the case facing our chairman, Tundu Lissu.’’
Lema noted that throughout Mbowe’s leadership, supporters, members, and party officials remained loyal to him.
Kwako Mh Freeman Mbowe.
Kwa heshima, huzuni na uzito wa dhamira, nakuandikia barua hii si kwa hasira, bali kwa mwangwi wa historia inayolilia uaminifu. Tulisimama nyuma yako kwa gharama kubwa kipindi chote ambacho tulikuamini kuwa kiongozi wa matumaini ya kizazi kilichojitoa kwa… pic.twitter.com/5ORgEllhvx
— Godbless E.J. Lema (@godbless_lema) July 17, 2025
