Dodoma. Tanzanian police say they have arrested 130 people across the country on allegations of planning and encouraging acts intended to disrupt public order in connection with the July 7, commonly known as Saba Saba, demonstrations that had been mobilised through social media.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Police spokesperson David Misime said the suspects are accused of planning, organising, promoting and circulating what authorities described as inflammatory information intended to encourage people to participate in criminal activities.
The statement claimed the alleged plans included killing leaders and civilians, setting schools on fire, destroying electricity transformers to plunge parts of the country into darkness, looting public and private property, and attacking members of the security forces to seize firearms.
Police said the suspects were arrested in different regions of the country and remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities said they are gathering evidence before taking further legal action.
“The suspects were involved in planning meetings, preparing and distributing messages encouraging these unacceptable criminal acts,” the statement said.
Police added that security agencies would continue pursuing other individuals believed to be connected to the alleged plot and urged the public to use social media responsibly by avoiding the creation or sharing of messages that promote criminal activities or information from unverified sources.
The announcement follows a series of arrests made before and during the Saba Saba period. On July 8, police in Mwanza said they had arrested 23 people on allegations of incitement and conspiring to commit acts of violence and other offences linked to the July 7 demonstrations.
Among those detained in Mwanza were EAGT church deacon Philipo Chipuluko and Ibungilo A local government chairperson Fantson Mpango. Mwanza Regional Police Commander Wilbrod Mutafungwa said the suspects were arrested between July 5 and July 7 during security operations across the city and would be taken to court once investigations are completed.
The arrests come after weeks of heightened security following online calls by activists for Saba Saba demonstrations demanding accountability over killings linked to the October 29, 2025 election unrest, as well as broader political reforms and justice.
In the lead-up to the demonstrations, opposition party CHADEMA reported that a number of its leaders and members had been arrested in regions including Mbeya, Mwanza, Tanga, Pwani, Geita and Dar es Salaam, as police intensified operations against individuals suspected of involvement in the planned protests.
