Dar es Salaam – The Tanzania Police Force confirmed on Friday it is holding six officials from the opposition CHADEMA party, whose whereabouts had been the subject of public concern, stating the individuals were arrested legally in connection with alleged cybercrimes and incitement.
In a statement, the police confirmed that Chief Adronius Kalumuna, Paulo Shijason Musisi, Daniel Damian Lwebugisa, Egbert Aloyce Kikulega, Ramadhan Fadhiri, and Baziri Waziri are in custody.
The force detailed that the arrests in the Kagera region were conducted based on evidence gathered before the operation, relating to “various criminal allegations including the misuse of social networks for incitement, encouraging illegal demonstrations, and other violations of the country’s laws.”
“The arrest of these six individuals mentioned in the reports [circulating online] was carried out according to legal procedures,” the police statement read, adding that the officials’ leaders were present and informed of the detentions.
This confirmation comes amidst a period of heightened political tension, less than two weeks before the October 29 General Election.
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CHADEMA had earlier issued a statement strongly condemning what it described as a “wave of detention, seizure, and intimidation” against its leaders and members in the Victoria zone, specifically naming the same six individuals now confirmed in police custody.
The party had expressed alarm over the circumstances of the arrests, which it claimed occurred without immediate official explanation, and noted its disappointment that President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who was campaigning in the region, did not address the incidents.
The detention of these officials is set against a backdrop of authorities’ determined attempts to neutralise a growing call for citizens to take to the streets on October 29.
The planned protests, organised largely through social media, are intended to voice grievances over corruption, government waste, and deteriorating public services, transforming election day into a potential flashpoint for civil unrest.
Army’s intervention
The escalating political climate has prompted an unusual level of public engagement from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF). In a rare intervention, the military has twice in 11 days issued public statements warning citizens to disregard social media posts that attempt to draw the army into politics.
The TPDF specifically targeted what it called “activists” posting “inflammatory content involving the Army in politics to achieve their goal of disrupting peace,” underscoring the sensitivity of the current environment.
With traditional electoral competition diminished, public dissent has increasingly moved to online platforms, with calls for street demonstrations on election day, October 29, to protest issues including corruption and security.
In response, the government has implemented restrictions on social media platforms, including a ban on X (formerly Twitter) and alleged limitations on TikTok’s live features.
Joint military and police exercises have also been conducted in several regions, including Dar es Salaam and Dodoma, as the National Electoral Commission warns that encouraging voter abstention is a violation of the law.
Lema’s safety concerns
The wave of arrests unfolded alongside serious personal security concerns raised by CHADEMA’s senior member, Godbless Lema. On October 16, Mr Lema publicly appealed to President Samia, stating that his life was in imminent danger and that he was under close surveillance by unknown individuals.
READ MORE: Tanzania Army Warns Against Push on Social Media to Involve It in Political Affairs
“Even this evening, they have been seen around my home area, and I fear they could even harm anyone who is not me,” Lema posted on the social media platform X.
Consequently, he made an unprecedented offer to the authorities. “Given this situation, I think it’s better to put myself in the hands of authorities voluntarily rather than continue living in fear every day,” he stated. “I am ready to be imprisoned voluntarily until the election period passes.”
In its Friday statement, the Police Force also responded to this issue by urging Lema to follow due process, advising him to formally present his report at a police station to allow for further investigation. The force reiterated the importance of adhering to legal procedures “to avoid misinformation and unnecessary tensions.”
This response, however, was met with a rebuttal from Lema. He countered that he had already attempted this very course of action on the night of October 6. He disclosed that he had spent nearly an hour at Arusha Central Police Station meeting with an OCCID officer, one Mr Mahita, where he explicitly requested protective custody.
“But they didn’t want to give me that safe opportunity,” Lema asserted. “They told me to go home and be careful and that they were following up.”
READ MORE: Tanzania’s Catholic Church Denies Issuing Peace Statement Amid Pre-Election Heat
Questioning the police’s characterisation of his actions as creating tension, Lema responded directly on X: “Who is creating tension – the killers and kidnappers or those seeking safety with loud cries?”
He concluded by calling for greater responsibility in public communications, stating, “When you’re before the media, have discipline that carries humanity.”
