Mwalimu Anthony K. Koech
Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua has called for the immediate release of Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu following his acquittal on treason charges by the High Court in Dar es Salaam.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, November 6, 2026, Karua welcomed the court's decision to clear the CHADEMA chairman of treason but criticised his continued detention following a conviction on separate charges.
Karua described the outcome as a miscarriage of justice, arguing that the legal proceedings against Lissu reflect continued political persecution aimed at limiting opposition participation in Tanzania's democratic process.
The former Kenyan Justice Minister maintained that democracy cannot thrive where opposition figures face prolonged detention, judicial harassment and restrictions on their political activities.
She further argued that political mandates should be determined through democratic elections rather than imprisonment.
High Court Acquits Lissu of Treason but Detention Continues
The verdict, delivered by a three-judge panel of the High Court in Dar es Salaam, cleared Lissu of the treason charges after prosecutors failed to establish the required elements of the offence.
However, despite the acquittal, Lissu remains in custody following a separate conviction on charges of incitement and sedition, which resulted in a four-year prison sentence.
The charges arose from his leadership of CHADEMA's No Reforms, No Elections campaign ahead of Tanzania's general elections. The campaign demanded electoral reforms and independent oversight of the country's electoral process.
Karua criticised the continued imprisonment, arguing that the use of separate criminal charges to maintain the detention of an opposition leader raises serious questions about political freedoms and judicial independence.
Karua Raises Concerns Over Democracy and Political Freedom in East Africa
Karua's intervention has brought renewed attention to democratic governance and political rights within the East African Community.
In her statement, she emphasised that political opposition must be allowed to organise, criticise government policies and participate in electoral processes without intimidation or arbitrary restrictions.
She also called for judicial independence, stressing that courts should operate impartially and protect constitutional freedoms rather than become instruments of political exclusion.
The former Justice Minister further underscored the importance of credible electoral processes, arguing that citizens must have the freedom to determine their political leadership through fair and transparent elections.
Calls Grow for Lissu's Release
Karua concluded her statement by demanding an immediate end to Lissu's imprisonment, maintaining that his continued detention undermines democratic principles and political freedoms across the region.
Her remarks highlight the growing regional debate surrounding opposition rights, judicial independence and the protection of democratic institutions.
As the situation develops, attention remains focused on Tanzania's judicial and political landscape, particularly the implications of Lissu's continued incarceration despite his acquittal on the treason charge.
