CATHOLIC Church leaders are conducting an own investigation to prepare a report on the attack on Fr. Dr Charles Kitima on the episcopal council compound in Dar es Salaam at around 10 p.m. on Wednesday.

The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) secretary general was yesterday recovering at the Aga Khan Hospital in the wake of that attack, which triggered widespread outrage and calls for urgent investigations.

Religious leaders, civil society organisers and political figures spoke out on the incident, with SACP Jumanne Muliro, commander of the city special police zone, confirming the arrest of Rauli Mahabi, who he said was a resident of the Kurasini neighbourhood, in connection with the assault.

A check with online chroniclers showed no hint as to the profile of that individual, with at least one operator saying the police did not actually field a person or show actual images of his arrest.

The police chief said that Father Kitima was attacked while at the canteen within the TEC compound, shortly after attending a meeting with fellow religious leaders.

He cited preliminary investigation indicating that Father Kitima went to the canteen after the meeting at around seven in the evening and stayed on until slightly after 10 pm when he was attacked on the head with a blunt object by two unidentified individuals, at a washroom.

He said the police are holding the suspect for questioning as part of the investigation. “A thorough probe is ongoing, and legal action will be taken swiftly against the perpetrators,” he declared.

Father Kitima was immediately rushed to Aga Khan Hospital, where he remains under close medical observation. While media personnel were denied access to the hospitalized prelate, colleagues had a word with him and their remarks aired on some global radio channels.

TEC President Bishop Wolfgang Pisa who talked to Fr. Kitima apparently over the phone, and seemingly from outside the country, expressed discomfort at the police trail that Father Kitima was at an ordinary drinking place up to that assault.

“There is no bar at the site; it is a restaurant,” he said, underlining that it is an outdoor worksite of sorts. The idea that he was taking drinks from seven to ten in the night is somewhat misleading, he asserted, indicating that TEC was conducting its own investigation and prepare a full report.

Pastor Moses Matonya, the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT) secretary general, described the attack as a blow to the nation’s image, especially ahead of the 2025 general elections.

“As a Christian community, we strongly condemn this act,” he said. “This is a crucial time for the country, and citizens must be able to express themselves freely without fear. We urge the police to act quickly and transparently.”

Sheikh Nuhu Mruma, the Tanzania Muslim Council (BAKWATA) secretary general, echoed the pastor’s apprehension. “This act is shocking and unacceptable. We urge authorities to investigate and take appropriate legal action based on the findings,” he stated.

Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS) who visited Father Kitima in hospital, called the attack “brutal and life-threatening.” “It was a deliberate attempt on his life. Thankfully, he is responding well to treatment,” he said in reassurance.

Opposition party leaders also weighed in, with the Chadema Mainland vice-chairman John Heche asserting that the attack as an assault on free expression, while CCM Mainland vice chairman Stephen Wasira called for decisive police action.

“I strongly condemn this act,” Wasira said. “The police must conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the perpetrators face full legal consequences.”

ACT-Wazalendo party leader Dorothy Semu described the incident as both “shocking and alarming.”

“This paints a dangerous picture of the state of national security,” she said. “We must see immediate action. These acts undermine peace, unity and the country’s social fabric. Security forces must act firmly and transparently to restore public confidence.”

As the nation awaits clarity on the motive behind the attack, religious and civic leaders stress that bringing the perpetrators to justice is essential to safeguarding peace and public trust, analysts noted.