The Tanzanian government has denied claims that there is a plan to poison opposition leader Tundu Lissu while in prison. The reports, which circulated on social media, sparked reactions both within and outside the country.
In a statement released late on the night of July 2, 2025, CHADEMA said it had received information from a credible source regarding a plan to poison Lissu.
“CHADEMA takes these reports very seriously. This is not something to be taken lightly, especially considering that this is not the first time Chadema leaders have been targeted with threats, attacks, or various forms of oppression, while many reports we have submitted to the relevant authorities have been ignored or no action taken,” CHADEMA said in its statement on Wednesday.
The reports prompted various international responses, including from the International Democracy Union (IDU), which called on the Tanzanian government to ensure Lissu’s safety.
“IDU is alarmed by reports of poisoning attempts on opposition leader Tundu Lissu in custody. We urge Tanzanian authorities to protect his life, health, and rights. Any harm lies with the Government of Tanzania. The world is watching!” IDU wrote on X post.
The Chairperson of the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, David McAllister, also expressed concern, emphasizing that responsibility lies with the Tanzanian government should anything happen to Lissu.
“I am deeply concerned by the alarming reports regarding possible attempts to poison Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu in detention. I urge the Tanzanian authorities to ensure his safety, health, and human rights are fully protected,” McAllister wrote in an X post.
Tanzania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs was the first government body to respond, replying to McAllister by stating that the information he had shared was false, unsubstantiated, and should be disregarded. The ministry emphasized that Tundu Lissu is safe and continues to attend his court proceedings.
As the online debate continued, the government, through its spokesperson Gerson Msigwa, released a statement labeling the reports as false and malicious.
“The Government of Tanzania denies allegations published on social media linking the Government to an alleged plan to poison the accused, Tundu Antipas Lissu,” the statement reads.
“The Government urges citizens to disregard these reports as they have no truth whatsoever. The Government has never had, and does not have, any plan to poison anyone in prison, nor does it intend to do so to anyone. These reports have been published with malicious intent to tarnish the reputation and dignity of Tanzania, and authorities have already begun taking action against those involved in publishing and spreading these falsehoods.”
The topic has sparked discussion on social media, with users citing past incidents involving poisoned politicians. One of the most notable cases mentioned was that of Philip Mangula, the former Vice Chairperson of the ruling party CCM, who collapsed during a meeting on February 28, 2020. It was later confirmed that he had been poisoned, and the police announced they were launching an investigation, no report was ever released regarding the incident.
