People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has fired back at Tanzanian Vice Chairman of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Stephen Wasira, for failing to address the ongoing violation of the constitution in Tanzania.
In a statement on April 26, 2025, Karua called out Stephen Wasira, stating that what was most disappointing in his remarks was his silence on the violent crackdown against opposition leaders and Tanzanian citizens.
“Thank you for the response, but what is disappointing is that Mr. Wasira did not mention anything about the violation of the constitution and the police in Kisutu court, who are preventing and violently attacking citizens and leaders, killing, breaking bones, and injuring people,” she said.
Responding to her remarks in Dodoma on April 25, 2025, Wasira said Tanzania does not destabilize the peace of East Africa and handles its affairs peacefully.
Additionally, he said the CCM party and the government cannot interfere with judicial matters and respect the separation of powers.
Stephen Wasira lambasts Martha Karua
Karua criticized the Tanzanian government and CCM for detaining Tundu Lissu, leader of the opposition party CHADEMA, stating that the government’s actions aimed to weaken the opposition.
“CCM is not afraid of any party, but we cannot interfere with the work of the judiciary or the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission because these are bodies with their authority. If she’s that knowledgeable, she should focus on Kenya’s issues,” said Wasira.
Speaking at a political rally, Wasira remarked that if Martha Karua believes her party is too small and is seeking fame, she should focus on resolving conflicts in other African countries, such as South Sudan, instead of meddling in Tanzania’s affairs.
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Wasira Calls out Martha
“If she fails, she should go back home and run her party, whose policies are not even known. Let her leave Tanzania to conduct its elections in its own way,” added Wasira.
Further, Stephen pointed out that in Kenya’s last election, Martha Karua was Raila Odinga’s running mate. They challenged their country’s electoral commission’s decision all the way to the Supreme Court but didn’t succeed.
Moreover, Martha Karua went to the East African Court of Justice to challenge the election results but lost the case.
“If she lost there, she should let Lissu face his case. The outcome will be delivered, and she should accept it just like she accepted Kenya’s,” said Wasira.
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Karua Demands Release of Tundu Lissu
On Friday, April 11, 2025, Martha Karua called for the immediate withdrawal of all charges against Tundu Lissu, denouncing the treason accusation as politically motivated.
”Release Tundu Lissu. This is an unacceptable repression of competition in an election year,” Karua said.
She also demanded the release of all political prisoners currently detained in Tanzania, asserting that their imprisonment is a direct violation of fundamental human rights.
Further, she urged the Tanzanian government to respect and uphold constitutional rights, particularly freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and the right to free and fair elections.
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