- The Tanzanian opposition leader Godbless Lema stated that immigration officials 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 prior to 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 faced an overall travel prohibition.
- Lema criticized what he saw as an increasingly oppressive environment under President Samia Suluhu’s administration.
Didacus Malowa, a journalist with Mountaintravel.co.ke, comes with more than three years of expertise in reporting on politics and contemporary issues in Kenya.
Namanga Tanzania’s opposition figurehead Godbless Jonathan Lema was prevented from departing the nation amidst a tense confrontation at the frontier, raising concerns about escalating political suppression.
Who is Godbless Lema?
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 a routine trip swiftly escalated into a strained confrontation when immigration officers at Namanga seized his passport and prohibited 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 deeply emotional statement, Lema mourned the condition of civil rights in Tanzania and voiced worry about the upcoming generation's prospects for the nation's young people.
"I sincerely hope that this suffering will soon come to an end for us, and we must ensure that our children never have to endure such challenges in their lives. Even the children of our oppressors should not have to live under such conditions. We Shall overcome," he lamented.
Why was Lema prohibited from going to Kenya?
Shortly following Lema’s announcement, the Tanzania Immigration Service Department verified the occurrence, admitting that his passport had been confiscated and that he was subject to formal travel limitations.
"God bless Jonathan Lema was barred from departing the nation, and his travel document was seized. As per this limitation, Mr. Lema must check in at the headquarters of Immigration for additional inquiries," stated a portion of an announcement released by the department’s top spokesperson, SSI Paul J. Mselle.
The department similarly refuted Lema’s assertion about a universal travel ban affecting all CHADEMA officials, labeling these claims as "misleading" and advising the public to avoid being misinformed.
"In addition, Mselle from the Immigration Department has asked everyone to ignore false statements posted by Lema on social media platforms, which imply that these restrictions apply to all CHADEMA leaders," she clarified.
What was Tanzania's response to the cleric's criticisms?
This event occurs as increasing criticism is directed at President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s government and how it manages opposition voices.
On Monday, June 2, Tanzanian officials canceled the registration of the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church, which is headed by Kawe MP and Bishop Josephat Gwajima. The decision was made due to sermons believed to have provoked civil disturbances.
The Registrar of Societies mentioned that Gwajima's communications might incite disputes among residents.
Gwajima had recently denounced the abduction of activists, which included individuals from Kenya and Uganda, and expressed worries over forced disappearances.
Did Lema claim that Tanzania is a haven for persecution?
In November 2020, the ex-MP of Arusha Urban Constituency moved to Kenya due to what he described as relentless harassment in Tanzania.
He was stopped by Kenyan officials in Ilbisil near the Namanga road and held at the Kajiado Police Station for several hours.
A group of Kenyan activists and supporters, spearheaded by George Wajackoyah, went to see him and managed to secure his release.
Kenya was contemplating transferring him to Tanzanian officials.
When speaking to the media, Lema stated that he was unprepared to return to his homeland, characterizing it as "a haven for persecution."
Masolo Mabonga, Head of Department for Current Affairs and Politics, has revised this piece to include information about Godbless Lema referring to Tanzania as a "haven for persecution."
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