Tanzania’s opposition party condemns detention of former MP travelling to Kenya
Tanzania’s main opposition party Chadema, has condemned the detention of former Member of Parliament (MP) for Arusha Urban, Godbless Lema, who was travelling to Nairobi through the Namanga border.
In a statement on Friday, June 6, 2025, Chadema noted that the actions of the immigration department to detain the former legislator were troubling and that there was no lawful basis to prohibit him from leaving the country.
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“Chadema strongly condemns the unlawful and politically motivated detention of Godbless Lema, a senior member of our Central Committee and former Member of Parliament for Arusha Urban, who was today unjustly stopped by Tanzanian immigration authorities at the Namanga border post while on personal travel to Nairobi, Kenya,” the party said.
Basis for detention
“Let it be clear: there is no lawful basis for detaining Lema or preventing him from leaving the country. Freedom of movement is a basic right enshrined in both Tanzanian law and international human rights conventions.”
Chadema is now calling for the unconditional release of the opposition politician and for the immigration officials to return his passport.
“We demand Godbless Lema’s immediate and unconditional release, the return of his passport, and an end to all forms of harassment and surveillance against opposition leaders. This is not just about Godbless Lema. It is about defending the dignity and constitutional freedoms of all Tanzanians,” the party said.
“We urge the public, civil society, and international partners to stand firm against this unacceptable abuse of power.”
Lema speaks
In a separate statement on Friday, June 6, 2025, Lema revealed that his visit to Nairobi was to receive medical attention. He equally stated that authorities had instructed him to return to Dodoma to seek clarification on why he had been sent back.
“After enduring a wait of over four hours, I have now been officially prohibited from travelling. My passport has been confiscated, and I am required to return home to Arusha. To obtain further information, I must visit the Immigration Headquarters in Dodoma,” Lema said.
“The anguish I am feeling is profound; I was scheduled to have a health check in Nairobi tomorrow, and now I am unable to proceed with my journey. I sincerely hope that this suffering will soon come to an end for us, and we must ensure that our children never have to endure such challenges in their lives. Even the children of our oppressors should not have to live under such conditions. We shall overcome,” he remarked.
