The recent general election in Tanzania, held on October 29, 2025, has left deep scars on the nation’s psyche. The Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) has today issued a hard-hitting statement condemning the deadly violence that marred the electoral process and calling for peace, justice, and national unity.
The church’s statement is a balm to the soul of a nation grappling with the aftermath of riots that resulted in loss of life, disability, and destruction of public and private property. The KKKT’s statement is a clarion call to Tanzanians to reflect on the values that bind them together as a people, rather than the incidents that divide them.
The church’s condemnation of the violence is unequivocal, emphasizing that there can be no justification for the loss of human life and the destruction of property. The KKKT’s words of condolence to the families and communities affected by the violence are a testament to its commitment to standing with those in need.
As the nation seeks to heal from the wounds of violence, the KKKT’s call for repentance and mercy from God is a timely reminder of the importance of humility and compassion. The church’s prayer for the victims, the injured, and those still missing or detained without charge is a powerful expression of its solidarity with the Tanzanian people.
The KKKT’s call to the government to listen to citizens’ grievances and address them in a manner that promotes national unity and social cohesion is a crucial step towards healing and reconciliation. The church’s urging of the government to treat all citizens with justice and fairness is a fundamental principle of good governance that resonates with the values of human dignity and respect.
As Tanzania navigates this challenging period, the KKKT’s statement serves as a beacon of hope for a brighter future. May the nation heed the call to peace, justice, and unity, and may the words of the Psalmist be our guide: “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God” (Matthew 5:9).
In this moment of turmoil, the KKKT’s voice is a reminder that Tanzania’s future is not defined by the violence of the past but by the hope and resilience of its people. As the nation seeks to rebuild and move forward, may it do so with a renewed commitment to the values of justice, peace, and unity that have always been its strength.
