A renowned Tanzanian Catholic priest from Nguruka Parish in Kigoma, Father Josephat Misigaro, has allegedly been abducted.
According to a statement from Tanzanian activist Maria Saruni, who lives in Kenya, dated Saturday, November 22, 2025, the priest was reportedly taken because of his criticism of President Samia Suluhu’s administration over the mass killings that occurred after the elections in Tanzania.
He made these remarks during his sermon on November 16, 2025. Saruni said his whereabouts remain unknown and called on numerous international human rights organizations to intervene.
“Father Josephat Misigaro, the parish priest of Nguruka Parish in Kigoma, has been abducted! He criticized the government over the #TanzaniaMassacre in his sermon last Sunday. His whereabouts are unknown. Cc: @WGEID @OHCHR_EARO @achpr_cadhp @hrw @HRF @SenateForeign @AmnestyEARO This is Father Josephat Misigaro, parish priest of Nguruka in Uvinza District, Kigoma.
He has been abducted, reportedly due to his sermon last Sunday. This is what our country has come to — abductions in broad daylight! This is extreme chaos,” Saruni said.
Tanzania Police Refute Claims that Father Josephat Misigaro was Abducted
However, Kigoma Regional Police Chief quickly dismissed reports that the priest had been abducted along with two civilians named Vedasto and Selule, asserting unidentified individuals took them.
The police stated these reports are misleading and entirely false. According to a statement from ACP Philemon Makungu, the Kigoma Regional Police Commander, dated Saturday, November 22, 2025, the priest was summoned on November 20, 2025, for questioning over criminal allegations, and after his interview, he was released.
Regarding the civilians supposedly abducted, police noted that no reports have been filed about their disappearance.
“Concerning Vedasto and Selule, who are also claimed to have been abducted, that information is false because no report has been filed about their disappearance. However, anyone with a missing relative or family member should report to any police station so investigations can be carried out,” the statement read.
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The Kigoma Regional Police Chief urged the public to stay calm as investigations continue into those he alleged issued and circulated the false information, emphasizing that legal action will be taken against anyone found responsible.
On Sunday, November 16, 2025, Misigaro addressed his congregation about the death of numerous protesters following the October 29, 2025, presidential election, which Suluhu won with 97.66–98% of the vote amid widespread claims of rigging, disqualification of main opponents, and suppression of the opposition.
CNN Releases an Investigative Piece on the Aftermath of Tanzania’s Elections
He highlighted the “mass killings” by security forces, including the use of live ammunition against unarmed demonstrators, and called for accountability.
Samia Suluhu’s victory and the mass killings after the Tanzanian elections have faced widespread criticism.
On November 21, 2025, CNN published an investigative report on the aftermath of Tanzania’s elections, showing police shooting protesters and signs of mass graves.
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The report details a violent crackdown by Tanzanian police and armed groups following the controversial October 29, 2025, presidential election, where incumbent President Samia Suluhu Hassan secured 98% of the vote amid widespread allegations of fraud.
The investigation, conducted by Larry Madowo, included geolocated videos, eyewitness testimonies, and satellite images of disturbed soil at a cemetery, implying a large-scale government cover-up of a high death toll following the disputed election.
Following the exposé, the Tanzanian government responded to CNN, dismissing the allegations of a post-election massacre and mass graves as “hugely exaggerated.”
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