Rukwa Police officers have arrested at least eleven members of Tanzania’s main opposition party, CHADEMA, for allegedly holding an unlawful political assembly in Nkasi, Rukwa region, on Sunday, July 27, 2025. This was reported by Rukwa Regional Police Commander, Shadrack Masija, on Monday. Among those arrested, 7 were men and 4 were women.

Police said the individual went against a court order suspending all Chadema activities in the country.

Among those arrested are Winfrida, Khenani, Godfrid Bendera, Evarist Mwanisaw, and Scolastica Mwalonde. During the dramatic arrest, several people were injured following police brutality against the members.

But according to Nkasi North MP Aida Kenani said the 11 were arrested at her home on July 27, 2025. She said upon being called by the Nkasi Officer Commanding District (OCD) on July 26, 2025, to explain why she was holding a political rally while there is a court order preventing Chadema from engaging in political activities.

“He [OCD] told me I should not hold a meeting planned on Sunday. I asked him based on what law, and he said we should wait for a court order. I explained to him my role as an MP ceases on August 3, 2025, so I asked him for a letter that explains that he is stopping my meetings and other functions as an MP,” she said.

Chadema is currently suspended by the court from holding any party activity until a case filed by former officials regarding the allocation of party revenue is determined. The case will be heard on 7th August 2025.