Tanzania arrests Opposition party official as 22 others face treason charges

In a statement, opposition party CHADEMA confirmed the arrest of its Deputy Secretary General, Amani Golugwa, days after top party leaders were taken into custody.

This comes even as 22 people were arraigned on Friday facing charges of treason, as more families come out seeking the whereabouts of their loved ones.

Among those arraigned was social media influencer Jennifer Jovin Bilikija, who faced two charges of conspiracy to commit a crime as well as treason.

“Kosa anashtakiwa ni kuwa aliwahamasisha watu wanunue barakoa ili wajikinge na mabomu ya machozi. Sasa mtu yeyote, hata kama sio mwanasheria, anaweza kuangalia iwapo hiyo ni uhaini au la. Lakini ni suala ambalo liko mahakamani, wacha lichukue mkondo wake,” stated Jennifer’s Lawyer Peter Kibatala.

This even as the clergy under the Pentecostal Voice of Kenya condemned the killings and brutality witnessed in Tanzania. The umbrella body further called on the Kenyan government to initiate diplomatic engagements to save Kenyans caught in the crossfire in the neighbouring country.

“Serikali haifanyi vile inavyopaswa kikamilifu. Kile tunajua ni kwamba wanaweza kwenda extra mile kuhakikisha kuwa Wakenya wako salama wale wanaofanya kazi huko ng’ambo,” said PVK Chairman Peter Manyuru.

PVK Secretary General Habil Olembo added “We also urge the international community, including East African neighbours, to respect the basic rights and freedoms of Kenyans in their countries in adherence to UN and regional human rights conventions and protocols.”

Human rights groups have reported more than 1,000 deaths, with the government disputing the figures. According to the Reuters news agency, 145 people have been charged with treason so far, and scores of people remain unaccounted for.