- The Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Lema stated that immigration officers at the Namanga border crossing prevented him from traveling to Kenya for a medical appointment.
- The ex-Arusha Member of Parliament mentioned that he had been waiting for more than four hours before being instructed to go back home and head to the immigration headquarters in Dodoma for additional directions.
- The Tanzania Immigration Service Department subsequently verified that Lema’s passport was confiscated, yet refuted assertions stating that CHADEMA leaders were subject to an overall travel prohibition.
- Lema criticized what he saw as an increasingly oppressive environment under President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
Didacus Malowa, a reporter for Mountaintravel.co.ke, comes with more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues in Kenya.
The Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Jonathan Lema was prevented from departing the nation during an intense confrontation at the border, raising concerns about increasing political suppression.
On Friday, June 6, Lema, who belongs to the Chama Cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) party, was halted by immigration officials at the Namanga One Stop Border Post when trying to enter Kenya.
The politician based in Arusha was heading to Nairobi for what he termed as a standard medical examination.
However, what began as an ordinary trip soon escalated into a stressful confrontation when immigration officers at Namanga seized his passport and prevented him from continuing his journey.
"After waiting for more than four (4) hours, I have now been formally banned from traveling. My passport has been taken away, and I must go back to Arusha," he disclosed on X.
The ex-Arusha Urban Member of Parliament mentioned that he was instructed to visit the Immigration Headquarters in Dodoma to get more details regarding the sudden restriction.
In his passionately written message, Lema mourned the condition of civil rights in Tanzania and voiced worry about the upcoming generation's prospects in the nation.
I genuinely wish that this hardship would swiftly conclude for all of us, and we ought to guarantee that future generations do not face similar difficulties. This includes the offspring of those who have oppressed us; they too should not experience these harsh circumstances. 'We shall overcome,' he mournfully stated.
Shortly after Lema made his public statement, the Tanzania Immigration Service Department verified the occurrence, admitting that they had confiscated his passport and imposed formal travel limitations on him.
"Jonathan Lema Godbless was barred from departing the country, and his passport was confiscated. As per this restriction, Mr. Lema must report to the Immigration Headquarters for additional inquiries," stated a portion of the communiqué released by the department’s principal spokesman, SSI Paul J. Mselle.
The department similarly refuted Lema’s assertion about a comprehensive travel restriction applying to all CHADEMA officials, labeling these claims as "untrue" and advising the public to avoid being misinformed.
"In addition, Mselle from the Immigration Department advised the public to ignore false statements posted by Lema on social media claiming that this restriction applies to all CHADEMA leaders," she said.
This event occurs as increasing criticism is directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government and how it addresses opposition voices.
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