Good morning! The Chanzo is here with a rundown of major news stories reported in Tanzania over the weekend.
ACT-Wazalendo Demands Justice as Janeth Rithe Remains in Custody
The ACT-Wazalendo party has reported that its Women’s Wing Chairperson, Janeth Joel Rithe, continues to be held by the police for the third consecutive day without being granted bail, despite the efforts of the party’s legal team.
According to the party, lawyers who visited the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam, June 21, 2025, were told that their attempts to secure her release on bail were unsuccessful because she was still needed for further questioning.
News of Rithe’s arrest was first shared on June 20, 2025, by ACT Wazalendo spokesperson Shangwe Ayo, who stated that police officers came to the party’s headquarters seeking Rithe. They reportedly said they were acting on orders from the Dar es Salaam Zonal Crime Officer (ZCO), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Faustine Mafwele.
According to Ayo, Rithe turned herself in at the Central Police Station, where she was reportedly questioned over a speech she gave during a public rally held by ACT Wazalendo on June 18, 2025, in the Manzese area of Dar es Salaam.
“ACT Wazalendo is deeply concerned by this action, which violates both legal and human rights. Our laws do not allow a suspect to be held for more than 24 hours without being granted bail or brought before a court,” the party stated.
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President Samia Champions Global Spotlight for Unique Bulabo Cultural Festival
The President of Tanzania, Samia Suluhu Hassan, has concluded her tour of the Lake Zone in Mwanza Region by participating in the Sukuma cultural festival known as Bulabo, held at Kisesa grounds in Bujora on June 21, 2025.
The Bulabo Festival, which takes place annually in Tanzania, is unique in that it brings together both the cultural practices of the Sukuma ethnic group and Christian traditions.
The event attracts many people and begins with a Holy Eucharist procession followed by various traditional activities.
Speaking at the festival, President Samia stated that the government is continuing its efforts to promote and raise international awareness of the event due to its distinct role in preserving culture.
Before officially launching the festival, President Samia also visited the Bujora Cultural Centre and the Sukuma Ethnographic Museum.
Viral Tanzanian Political Podcasters Wachokonozi Arrested for Alleged Social Media Abuse
Jackson Kabalo and Joseph Mrindoko, both residents of Arusha, were arrested on Friday, June 20, 2025, on charges related to cybercrime, according to Arusha police.
The two have recently gained significant popularity in Tanzania’s digital space for their critical analysis of political issues, including the national debt, the upcoming election, religious matters, and various social issues. Their podcast, known as Wachokonozi, is broadcast on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Initial reports that the duo had been abducted sparked alarm online, particularly because it was unclear which police station they had been taken to. Concerns grew further after it was reported that they were taken by individuals driving a white Land Cruiser, a vehicle commonly linked to previous abduction incidents in the country. The police issued an official statement on June 22, 2025, clarifying the situation.
“On some social media platforms, there have been claims that two individuals were arrested by unknown assailants in the Maji ya Chai area, Arumeru District, Arusha Region. The truth is that on June 20, 2025, the Arusha Regional Police Force arrested those individuals—Jackson Kabalo (32) and Joseph Mrindoko (37)—both entrepreneurs and residents of Maji ya Chai, Arumeru District, Arusha Region, on allegations of misusing social media platforms,” the police said in their statement.
The local street chairperson for the area where the two live confirmed that the police identified themselves to him during the operation, as required by law. He also stated that he was present during the arrest and witnessed a camera and microphone being taken from one of the homes.
Tanzania Joins EU, France and the European Investment Bank in Launching the Butimba Water Treatment Plant
Tanzania on Friday joined the European Union (EU), France and the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) in launching the Butimba Water Treatment Plant, a facility of the completed works for the Lake Victoria Water and Sanitation Project (LVWATSAN).
The €150 million project involved the extension and upgrading of the water supply and sanitation systems and safe hygiene practices in the city of Mwanza and the satellite towns of Misungwi, Magu, Lamadi, Bukoba and Musoma. An inauguration ceremony also took place in Lamadi on June 19 in the presence of President Samia Suluhu Hassan.
France, through the French Development Agency (AFD), supported the project with a €75 million loan, while the European Investment Bank (EIB Global) provided a loan of EUR 45 million as well as EUR 4 million for technical assistance.
In addition, the European Union provided a €9.9 million grant through the EU-Africa Infrastructure Trust Fund to support long-term investment planning for the city of Mwanza and to strengthen the operational and financial capacity of local water and sanitation utilities. Tanzania also contributed €16 million toward the implementation of the project.
A statement by the European Union Delegation in Tanzania said the launch of the Butimba Water Treatment Plant marks “a major milestone in the LVWATSAN project,” significantly improving water and sanitation access in Mwanza and its surrounding areas.
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