The family of Baraka Chacha Mwita has appealed to Tanzanian authorities over the continued detention of their relative, who has been on remand since October 30, 2025, despite suffering severe injuries that have left both of his legs broken.
Whenever Baraka Chacha appears in court alongside fellow remandees, he is carried on the back of another detainee, as he is unable to walk even with the help of the two crutches provided to him. Images of him being carried in and out of the prison bus have circulated widely and sparked public debate. However, this marks the first time his family has agreed to speak publicly to the media.
“I have an older brother whose two legs were broken. They arrested him on October 30. They broke both of his legs. One leg was put in a cast and the other has a metal rod,” said Catherine Johannes, speaking to the press outside Kisutu Magistrate’s Court on December 22, 2025, when her brother was brought to court.
“My brother cannot walk. I think you have all seen him online. He is carried all the time. Someone has to help him even to go to the toilet. I feel like even the person carrying him is getting tired. Every day he is lifted up and brought down,” she continued.
“When we ask about his case, we are told it is ‘treason.’ It is a single charge. When we ask why he hasn’t been released, we are told the investigation files are not complete. Then we are told the case will be heard, but it gets postponed. Today is the fourth time—he goes to court and comes back. Our relative is sick.”
Speaking to the press, Advocate Paul Kisabo explained that Baraka Mwita is one of sixteen individuals arraigned before the Resident Magistrate’s Court. He added that the charges against three of the accused were amended from treason to arson, relating to allegations of burning down CCM party offices in Bwera-Kivule. These individuals are Steven Madea (28), Fredy Samson Chacha (21), and Peter Basoti Chobe (48).
Kisabo further stated that in Baraka Mwita’s case, which is before Resident Magistrate Gwanta Mwankunga, the court ordered that Mwita receive necessary medical treatment after it was revealed that he had not received proper medical care since his initial visit to Amana Hospital.
Mwita’s sister also told reporters that the family is facing severe hardship due to his prolonged detention.
“His wife has an infant child and recently underwent surgery. I myself have a heart condition, and we all depended on him. I am a college student—I was supposed to enter my third year at CBE College, but everything has stopped because I depended on him,” she said.
“I have to go to neighbors to beg for bus fare just to come and see my brother. But every time we come here, the case is postponed. The investigation should be concluded, and at least we should be told something. We know that Mama Samia announced forgiveness for everyone.”
“We do not even have money for food. We survive by relying on neighbors. This is very painful. I kneel before you here at Kisutu Court—please help us. Every day we ask forgiveness from Tanzania if there is anything we have done wrong,” she emphasized.
Catherine has publicly shared her mobile number (+255740264760) for those willing to support the family. Additionally, activist Twaha Mwaipaya has initiated an online fundraising effort to assist them.
The case has been postponed to January 5, 2025, as the investigation is still ongoing.
