Tanzania High Court orders lawmaker to pay Sh6 billion in landmark defamation case

Musoma. The High Court of Tanzania, Musoma Registry, has ordered Tarime Rural Member of Parliament, Mr Mwita Waitara, and his associates to pay a total of Sh6 billion in damages to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Constitution and Legal Affairs, Mr Eliakim Maswi, after being found liable in a high-profile defamation case.

Delivering judgment on Monday, June 16, 2025, Judge Marlin Komba ruled that the defendants used false and defamatory language against Mr Maswi, thereby violating the law. The court found that their actions were intentional and aimed at tarnishing Mr Maswi’s reputation both personally and professionally.

According to the ruling, Mr Waitara and his co-defendants are to pay Sh1 billion as compensation for the defamation itself and an additional Sh5 billion in general damages. The court also ordered the issuance of a public apology to Mr Maswi through recognised media outlets.

“The court is satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that the statements made were defamatory and intended to damage the claimant’s dignity and standing in society,” Judge Komba stated.

The judge noted that the defendants had been offered an opportunity to apologise prior to judgment but had declined.

She further observed that the remarks made by Mr Waitara not only defamed Mr Maswi but were also offensive to public servants as a whole, pointing out that Mr Waitara’s approach may have stemmed from a lack of experience in public service.

The case centred on statements allegedly made by Mr Waitara during a public rally held on 9 August 2023 in Mtana Village, Manga Ward, Tarime District in Mara Region. The event was attended by more than 500 people.

According to Mr Maswi, the statements were later aired on the online television platform Mara TV, which allegedly collaborated with an individual named Karoli Jacob. The claimant argued that the statements were baseless, malicious and damaging to his reputation.

He said that during the rally, Mr Waitara claimed he was involved in acts of corruption and abuse of office during his tenure as Chief Executive Officer of the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA).

Mr Maswi told the court that the video was published and remained accessible online, with over 280 views recorded by 13 August 2023.

He maintained that the claims were entirely false and intended to discredit him both personally and in his professional capacity as a senior government official.