Tanzania’s political tension deepened further as CHADEMA issued a fresh appeal to security authorities, warning that its senior official John Heche is in critical condition while being held in Dodoma and urgently requires medical attention.
The party says Heche has been in custody without food for three days and is too weak to stand, raising serious fears about his safety.
According to CHADEMA, Heche is being held at Mtumba Police Station, where his health has deteriorated due to heart complications, fever and intense weakness. The party insists that despite repeated concerns, police have not taken steps to ensure he receives treatment.
“Mr Heche has not eaten for three days and is experiencing severe heart pain, body aches and high fever. He is unable to stand,” CHADEMA’s Director of Communication and Publicity Brenda Rupia said.
The party urged police to move swiftly and take Heche to a hospital, stressing that those under state custody must be protected and handled with dignity at all times.
“We urge the Police Service to take immediate and humane action by taking him to the hospital for proper medical care. A person’s health and life must be treated with utmost seriousness, especially when they are in the custody of law enforcement agencies,” CHADEMA said in its statement.
The issue has attracted attention across the continent, with political figures, rights defenders and academic leaders raising alarm over what they view as growing suppression of opposition voices in Tanzania.
The Platform for African Democrats (PAD), a network of more than 40 regional and global leaders, criticised the detention of both Heche and CHADEMA’s top leader Tundu Lissu.
PAD described the arrests as a deliberate attempt to silence critics and demanded the release of both leaders unless authorities present lawful charges.
“We call on authorities to demonstrate publicly that Heche is being treated humanely, with respect and dignity. We further call on authorities to present whatever charges they may have against Heche in accordance with Tanzanian and international law and to allow access to him by his family and legal counsel. Failing to do so, we call for his immediate, unconditional release,” PAD said.
The platform also expressed concern over Lissu’s treason case, saying the accusations put his life in danger and appear politically driven.
“Tundu Lissu was arrested on April 9, 2025, and has been imprisoned since April 10, facing grave charges of treason and publishing false information, charges that are widely regarded as politically motivated,” PAD stated, warning that the legal system is being used to crush political competition.
The coalition called on institutions such as the African Union, SADC and East African Community to hold Tanzanian authorities accountable and push for a fair political environment.
It also urged international partners to increase diplomatic pressure to safeguard democratic freedoms.
Heche’s arrest has triggered widespread reaction. He was first detained on October 18 while preparing to travel to Kenya for Raila Odinga’s burial, then later apprehended again outside the High Court in Dar es Salaam before reports placed him in Tarime. Police have not confirmed his exact location.
Meanwhile, with Lissu detained since April and CHADEMA excluded from this year’s elections, observers warn that Tanzania could head into a national vote without a competitive opposition.
The disqualification of ACT-Wazalendo’s candidate Luhaga Mpina has intensified concerns that the election landscape is being shaped to limit political rivalry.
