Nairobi Senator Sifuna Joins Global Call for Release of Tanzania’s Lissu and Heche
The statement accuses Tanzanian authorities of violating human rights through unlawful detention, enforced disappearances and the silencing of opposition voices.
The statement accuses Tanzanian authorities of violating human rights through unlawful detention, enforced disappearances and the silencing of opposition voices.
In a statement posted on his official X account on October 26, Lissu said his prison cell has been fitted with CCTV cameras that record all his movements, even during private moments.
His request for bail was denied, as treason is considered a non-bailable offence under Tanzanian law.
His whereabouts remain unknown, while party leader Tundu Lissu remains in custody with his treason trial pushed to November 3
The party said this deepens fears about his safety and the growing pattern of intimidation against opposition figures ahead of the October 29 general election.
With less than a week to Tanzania’s general election, pressure is mounting over the disappearance of opposition figures and growing silence from President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who continues with her nationwide campaign trail.
Platforms like Telegram and Clubhouse have also faced slowdowns, with many users saying they struggle to join discussions without VPNs.
Among the most contested laws are the Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Act, which gives government agencies power to block websites and the Privatization Act, which critics say allows the sale of public assets without enough oversight.
The CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson added that being barred from crossing into Kenya deepened his pain, saying he had hoped to personally pay his final respects to a man he regarded as both a mentor and a friend.
The CHADEMA Diaspora said the move violated Article 17(1) of Tanzania’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of movement, as well as the East African Community Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, which allows Tanzanians to enter Kenya without a visa for humanitarian reasons such as funerals.