In Geita, Elisha Juma is known as a preacher and singer who conducts services in the city and travels to remote areas for evangelism. However, to many people online, Elisha has become popular for his activist songs supporting CHADEMA’s No Reform, No Election campaign, denouncing abductions, and addressing other social issues.
One of his most trended song is the one against October we tick the box campaign, where he sings a chorus saying only fools will ‘tick the box’ in October.
On August 19, 2025, three men in a white Land Cruiser abducted him from the studio where he usually records. One eyewitness described to The Chanzo how the incident unfolded.
READ: Police Investigate Mysterious Disappearance of CHADEMA Youth Leader in Geita
“He was taken at around 4 p.m. We were at the studio and a light-skinned guy, aged about 20 years, came in asking for Hip Hop beats. But I told him, ‘I’m now recording traditional songs; for Hip Hop beats, he will have to wait,” explained the witness, Masanja Charles who is the owner of MAS Studio in Bulangwa, Geita.
“I think [the kidnapper] as chatting with Elisha on the phone. After a while, Elisha came in. He looked around, put his phone on charge, and sat down. That guy who was waiting, stood up and asked for directions to the washroom. I directed him, but he didn’t spend even a minute.”
“He came back and sat close to Elisha. Shortly afterward, a white Land Cruiser appeared, and two people got out of the vehicle. They entered the studio and took Elisha. One of them, who had a firearm, stood beside the car door. They told him to stand up, and grabbed him,” the witness further explained. Suspicion among Elisha’s close associates is that the kidnappers might have communicated with him earlier.
“Before the incident, he came here around noon and told me, some people had sent him a message asking him not to trust anyone. But he said he was also called by some people to go to town for some money. He hesitated, wondering whether it was really an opportunity or a trap by kidnappers,” Masanja explained.
The incident was reported to police on August 21, 2025. Police have since stated that they have launched an investigation.
This is the second report of abduction in a month. On July 21, 2025, the Chairperson of the main opposition party CHADEMA Youth Wing (BAVICHA) for the Geita Rural constituency was reportedly taken by individuals claiming to be police officers.These individuals were also reported to use a white Land Cruiser.
