CHADEMA accuses Tanzanian police of detaining ten officials
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Tuko
Tanzanian opposition party CHADEMA on 8 November 2026 petitioned police and the government, accusing law enforcement of arresting and detaining ten of its officials between October and November 2026 without bringing them before a court. According to a statement signed by its director of communications Brenda Rupia, the detainees, including regional and ward secretaries, were allegedly tortured and forced to confess, and one of them, Grace Shio, was deprived of hygiene products, according to Tuko.
CHADEMA, Tanzania's main opposition party, accuses Tanzanian police of arresting and detaining ten of its members between October and November 2026, without bail or being brought before a court, and says some were tortured and denied legal assistance. The party made its statement public on Sunday 8 November, signed by Brenda Rupia, its director of communications and publicity.
Among those detained is Saragana Bwire, arrested on 6 November on the premises of the High Court while waiting for the verdict in the trial of Tundu Lissu, a former CHADEMA leader. The party also says that Grace Shio, secretary of the Nyasa area who has been detained since 22 October, was deprived of hygiene products and personal care items during her detention.
CHADEMA says the ten detainees, including regional secretaries and constituency officials, are being denied bail in violation, according to the party, of Article 134 of Tanzania's Criminal Procedure Act. Brenda Rupia calls on security services to respect the Constitution and release the members concerned.
