Chadema officials released on bail after separate arrests
What you need to know:
- Chadema’s Director of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr John Kitoka, said in a statement that the party is monitoring the situation closely and has called for due process, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.
Dar es Salaam. Two senior Chadema officials, Director of Communication and Publicity, Ms Brenda Rupia, and Director of Resources, Projects and Investment, Mr Leonard Magere, have been released on police bail following their arrests in separate incidents.
In a statement issued by the opposition party on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, Chadema confirmed that both officials have been instructed to report back to the Central Police Station in Dar es Salaam on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
The arrests occurred at different times and locations. Mr Magere was detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) in Dar es Salaam as he prepared to travel to the United Kingdom, while Ms Rupia was apprehended at the Namanga border post as she attempted to cross into Kenya.
Chadema’s Director of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr John Kitoka, said in a statement that the party is monitoring the situation closely and has called for due process, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights.
“We thank the Tanzanian public, our members, and supporters for their continued solidarity during this difficult time,” said Mr Kitoka in a statement.
The arrests have attracted widespread attention, with opposition figures and civil society organisations voicing concern over what they describe as growing pressure and surveillance targeting political actors ahead of the October 2025 General Election.
Authorities have not provided official reasons for the arrests, and no charges have been publicly disclosed.
Chadema has urged its members and the broader public to remain calm as it pursues legal avenues and seeks clarification from the relevant authorities.
The party reiterated its commitment to democratic principles, calling on security organs to act within the confines of the law and uphold the rights of all citizens regardless of political affiliation.
This incident adds to a series of tensions that have emerged in the lead-up to the highly anticipated polls, with stakeholders urging for a level playing field and respect for political freedoms.
Stay with The Citizen for further updates on this developing story.
