Dar es Salaam – The treason trial of CHADEMA national chairperson Tundu Lissu took a technical turn on Thursday as the prosecution presented its second witness, a police cybercrime expert, whose testimony was repeatedly interrupted by legal wrangling and culminated in a dramatic offer from the accused to provide the court with a book he authored on election integrity.
Inspector John Kaaya, an officer attached to the online patrol desk, took the stand to detail how he discovered and archived the YouTube video that forms the core of the state’s case. Meanwhile, Mr Lissu, representing himself, continued to challenge the relevance of the evidence presented.
Led by State Attorney Job Mrema, Inspector Kaaya detailed his duties, which involve patrolling social media platforms like X, TikTok, and Instagram to identify criminal content. He testified that on April 4, 2025, during his shift, he came across a live stream on Jambo TV’s YouTube channel titled TUNDU LISSU USO KWA USO NA WATIA NIA MAJIMBONI. NO REFORMS NO ELECTION.
Kaaya stated that the high viewership and comment count prompted him to watch the video, where he allegedly identified statements with “indicators of criminality.” He cited Lissu’s remarks about police carrying “sacks of fake ballots” and judges being “people of the President” and “Ma-CCM” who seek promotions:
Kaaya: “When he said ‘in the courts, nothing is happening.’ I saw that the information had indicators of criminality. Informing the public that ‘nothing is happening’ is giving false information to the public and threatening the government.”
READ MORE: Tundu Lissu Turns Tables, Grills Police Witness on Treason Law and Political History
He reported his findings to his superior, who directed him to Deputy ZCO SSP George Bagyemu. Following further instructions on April 7, Kaaya testified that he downloaded the video onto a new 8GB flash drive, encrypted it with a password, and submitted it as evidence.
The testimony was not without friction. When Kaaya began quoting Lissu’s statement about police and “sacks of fake ballots,” Mr Lissu immediately objected, reminding the court that it had already ruled this line of questioning irrelevant as it pertained to a separate case at the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court – the one on publishing false information.
A legal tussle ensued, with State Attorney Job Mrema arguing against the objection. After a brief adjournment, the three-judge panel, led by Judge Ndunguru, delivered a ruling.
While acknowledging its previous decision to restrict such evidence, the court allowed Kaaya to continue, stating that the second witness was merely describing what he saw online, whereas the first witness had been offering interpretations. The judges, however, cautioned Kaaya not to “go too far” in his analysis.
As the prosecution concluded its examination, Mr Lissu prepared to begin his cross-examination. In a theatrical and pointed move, he requested the court’s permission to provide copies of a book he authored five years prior, titled Remaining in the Shadow, which discusses election issues:
READ MORE: Tundu Lissu Grills Police Witness as Treason Trial Cross-Examination Turns Fiery
Lissu: “I have brought three copies here; I ask to give one to the State Attorneys so they can read it and learn many things, so they don’t think I am a joking matter and should stop being used. Your Honours, I also give you one copy.”
Judge Ndunguru: “You are giving us one copy, how do we read it? Wouldn’t it be better to provide two copies?”
Lissu: “Your Honours, if I give you two, you will argue a lot because you are three.”
The courtroom erupted in laughter. Lissu then instructed his aides to ensure four additional copies were brought to court the next day for the judges. The gesture served to underscore his long-standing identity as a political analyst and critic, directly challenging the prosecution’s portrayal of his statements as unprecedented incitement.
Citing the late hour, the court adjourned before Lissu could begin his cross-examination of Inspector Kaaya. The trial will resume on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 9:00 AM, setting the stage for another rigorous confrontation between the accused and the state’s cyber expert.
