Republic questions Chadema’s Heche over his 'wealth'

Mr Heche, the fifth witness in the treason trial facing Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu, has entered the cross-examination stage by the Republic over evidence he gave in the case.

Senior State Attorney Nassoro Katuga, while cross-examining Mr Heche at the High Court’s Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry, raised the issues on Monday, September 14, 2026.

During the cross-examination, Mr Katuga questioned Mr Heche about his education, names he used at school, employment and income, as well as properties he owns, particularly vehicles.

He also questioned him about Chadema’s procedures for receiving contributions from businesspeople, friends and other stakeholders, alleging that Mr Heche once received money from a businessperson named Nilesh.

Mr Heche denied the allegation, saying he does not know Nilesh and has never received money from him on behalf of the party.

Mr Lissu faces a treason charge allegedly committed contrary to Section 39(2)(d) of the Penal Code, Chapter 16, as revised in 2022.

He is alleged to have incited the public on April 3, 2025, to prevent the 2025 General Election by uttering and publishing online words allegedly aimed at pressuring a senior government leader.

Lissu allegedly stated: "They say one thing here, this stance signals rebellion, it is true..., because we say we will block the election, we will promote rebellion, that is the way to get change..., so we are going to rock it hard..., indeed, we will heavily disrupt this election..., we are going to rock it very badly..."

A three-judge panel comprising Dunstan Ndunguru, who is leading the panel, James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde, is hearing the trial. The case is currently at the defence stage.

Mr Heche began his cross-examination by the Republic on Monday following his earlier testimony.

Part of the exchange between Mr Katuga and Mr Heche was as follows:

Lawyer: Witness, let me first state that the purpose of this interview is to make your evidence look false.

Lawyer: Tell the judges, what is your education?

Witness: I have an education degree.

Lawyer: In simple terms, you are a teacher, correct.

Witness: Correct.

Lawyer: Is it true that when you finished secondary you went straight to university?

Witness: When I finished Form 4, I went for a teaching diploma; later, I went to university for an education degree.

Lawyer: Is it true that from primary to secondary school you studied under the name Wegesa Chacha Suguti?

Witness: True.

Lawyer: Is it true that in Form 4 you got Division 4 with 26 points?

Witness: I got Division 1 with 11 points.

Lawyer: Do you know this information enters court records?

Witness: Yes. You cannot get Division 4 and go to Musoma Alliance.

Lawyer: Tell us who the name Suguta David Heche belongs to?

Witness: He is my younger sibling.

Lawyer: Which younger sibling?

Witness: I have three younger siblings. My father had eight wives.

Lawyer: Did you tell the court that apart from your post as Chadema Vice Chairman, what else do you engage in?

Witness: I did not tell it.

Lawyer: Did you tell the court if the Chadema Vice Chairman is paid a salary or allowance?

Witness: I did not tell it.

Lawyer: Now tell their honours, the judges, for your Vice Chairman post, are you paid an allowance or salary?

Witness: I am paid nothing.

Lawyer: Tell their honours, the judges, if it is true you own trucks operating in Kenya.

Witness: No.

Lawyer: Tell their honours, the judges, if it is true you own four expensive cars.

Witness: I have two cars; that expensive part I do not know what it means.

Lawyer: Do you know vehicle information is stored at TRA?

Witness: Correct.

After securing the court’s permission, Mr Katuga handed Mr Heche various documents relating to vehicle cards.

Lawyer: How many are there?

Witness: Cards are five, not all are cars; others are machinery.

Lawyer: Listen, witness. Tell their honours, the judges, what kind of vehicles are those owned?

Witness: It is a tractor for avocado farming, a Mitsubishi, a Toyota Crown, a Harrier Double Cabin, and a Toyota Prado.

Lawyer: Tell the judges, are the Mitsubishi, Crown, and Prado cars or not?

Witness: They are cars.

Lawyer: How many of these cars?

Witness: You said expensive cars.

Lawyer: Witness, answer the question: how many are they?

Witness: Four.

Lawyer: Now why did you say two? Here we begin to know who you are, whether you live what you speak or just live anyhow.

Mr Katuga then continued with questions regarding Chadema’s procedures for receiving money.

Lawyer: Chadema procedure: when a leader or chairperson receives contribution money for the party from friends, businesspeople, or people from Europe, what do they do?

Witness: How will I receive money? The Secretary General usually receives money.

Lawyer: That money you received from Nilesh, where did you take it?

Witness: I do not know him, so I have not received money from someone I do not know.

Lawyer: If proof is brought here, what will you say?

Witness: Bring it.

Lawyer: There is someone named Salman; do you know him?

Witness: I don't know him.

Lawyer: Is it true he deposited Sh10 million into your account and later Sh20 million?

Witness: Not true.

Lawyer: After Salman deposited that money for you, where did you take it?

Witness: I do not know a person named Salman.

Lawyer: I am showing you these receipts. Is it true you have a CRDB Bank account?

Witness: Correct.

Lawyer: Is it true this is your account?

Witness: Correct.

Lawyer: So is it true, according to those receipts, he deposited Sh30 million into your account?

Witness: It is true.

Lawyer: Is it true, according to that receipt, money was deposited and is in your account?

Witness: It is true.

The witness was still under cross-examination by the prosecution as the hearing continued.

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