Tanzanian police have summoned former Ambassador of Tanzania to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, to present evidence supporting his allegations to the Director of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement released on Monday, September 15, 2025, police said some of Polepole’s allegations are criminal in nature and require evidence.
“The Tanzania Police Force would like to inform the public that it opened an investigation file and has continued investigating various allegations made by Humphrey Herson Polepole since July 2025,” the statement reads.
“The allegations he has made, and continues to make, as he has described them, indicate the presence of criminal offenses and, according to the law, require evidence to substantiate them when they are presented in court,” the statement continues.
“In addition to gathering evidence, the Police Force has been making efforts to find him so that he can provide a statement/evidence. Therefore, through this statement, the Police Force continues to direct him to report to the Office of the Director of Criminal Investigations so that he can provide a statement/evidence.”
Since resigning on July 13, 2025, Polepole, a former ruling party insider, has become one of the most outspoken critics of both the government and the ruling party. Known for his late-night livestreams, he has built a massive following among Tanzanians. Initially, his livestreams were scheduled and announced in advance, but following recurring network challenges across the country whenever he is on, they are now broadcast spontaneously.
In his broadcasts, Polepole has leveled serious allegations, ranging from graft and grand corruption within the government to questioning the death of former president John Pombe Magufuli. He has also leveled allegations regarding the people behind the rising trend of abductions in the country.
Frequently, he criticize what he calls “Network,” directing accusations at former President Jakaya Kikwete and businessman Rostam Aziz, who is widely considered to be close to the government and most political systems in the country. Polepole has also maintained that the January 19, 2025, meeting that nominated President Samia Suluhu Hassan as the CCM presidential candidate violated the party’s constitution,, a claim that has fueled his sharp criticism of President Samia.
On July 18, 2025, Polepole claimed police had contacted him to offer protection after his sister was abducted by armed individuals, just ahead of his first major livestream following his resignation.
In his latest livestream on September 14, 2025, Polepole who maintained that he is still in the country and post some video from various location as proof, said he known that ‘they are looking for him’ but he can handle himself.
“I did this, and after doing it, I faced fire, I’am living like dik-dik [antelope species]. I asked myself, if I, who am one of you, was favored, lifted so high, when I resigned with all the knowledge in my head and in my heart, I was forced to live like a dik-dik in our country, the United Republic of Tanzania. I ask myself, what about the ordinary citizen who dares to speak the truth?” said Polepole on Sunday night.
But because I am someone “heavy,” that is why I continue to speak even today, though it is hard. They are struggling to find me everywhere, but because I am also “heavy” and I trust in God, and I have human strategies, that is why we are still struggling with each other,” he continued.
“But I reflect with great sadness, my sister was taken just like that. So what about other weak individuals, someone powerless, helpless, like my sister?”
Following the abduction and release of Polepole’s sister, police issued a statement confirming that they were investigating the incident.
