Tanzanian government has explained why opposition politician Godbless Lema, a member of the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (Chadema) party, was denied exit from Tanzania as he attempted to cross into Kenya.
Lema raised concerns that he was held at the Namanga border post for over four hours while seeking entry into Kenya for medical attention in Nairobi.
In a post on X, Lema accused Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu of frustration.
He stated that he returned to Arusha after his passport was confiscated.
“After waiting for more than 4 hours, I have officially been denied entry to Kenya. My passport has been taken away, and I am now expected to go back to Arusha…I hope this persecution will end with us and should not be passed down to our children,” he posted.
The Immigration Department has, however, dismissed Lema’s claims. In a statement, the Department’s Chief Spokesperson Paul J. Mselle confirmed that Lema was blocked from leaving the country and that his passport was held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at the Namanga border immigration station in Arusha Region.
Mselle stated that Lema has been instructed to report to the Immigration Headquarters for further questioning.
He explained that the procedure used to prevent Lema from leaving the country is standard and is applied to any citizen when the department possesses information that necessitates questioning the individual.
The Spokesperson urged Tanzanians to disregard the information Lema shared on social media.
“The Immigration Department calls on citizens to disregard false information published by Lema through social media suggesting that this restriction targets all CHADEMA leaders,” Mselle said.
Also Read: EU Bans All Airlines From Tanzania Over Safety Concerns
Lema Issues Another Statement
In his reaction, Lema insisted that he had been unlawfully detained contrary to the immigration regulations governing order.
The Opposition leader stated that he has no cases in court and no complaints have been made against him by the police.
He stated that the public notice issued by the Immigration Department was issued to protect Suluhu and her government.
“I have no immigration offences, which I have been informed by the immigration officer at Namanga. This public notice has been issued as protection for the authorities who oppress people with alternative views against the rulers,” Lema said.
Leme mentioned that he will go to the immigration headquarters to follow up on the issue.
He asked security agencies to stop frustrating opposition politicians and citizens who are opposed to the government.
“I have been denied the right to travel and to access medical treatment in Nairobi without any valid reason. Stop torturing people out of fear and suspicion,” he said.
Also Read: Tanzania Explains Why Govt Blocked Access to X
Tanzania Election
Tanzania will hold its general election on October 28, 2025.
The election will determine the next President of Tanzania and members of the National Assembly.
President Suluhu Hassan is seeking a second term.
Suluhu has been nominated by the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), with Emmanuel Nchimbi as her running mate.
CHADEMA’s candidate was disqualified from participating in the October election.
The National Electoral Commission said CHADEMA failed to sign a mandatory code of conduct by the April 12 deadline.
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