THE government has de-registered the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church led by Bishop Josephat Gwajima, who also serves as the Kawe MP, with an option to seek re-registration within 21 days.

Emmanuel Kihampa, the civil societies registrar, said in a statement yesterday that the church leader and politician had violated the Societies Act (Chapter 337 of the laws) by engaging in politically charged preaching, thus stirring up hatred.

The decision comes days after Bishop Gwajima publicly condemned the recent abductions and disappearances of individuals in the country.

The registrar cited the church's violation of the law, for engaging in preaching that was intended to create discord between the government and the public.

The church’s activities could jeopardise the nation’s peace and stability, the statement indicated, ordering the immediate cessation of all church activities effective from the date of the order issuance.

A copy of the directive has been forwarded to the inspector general of police (IGP) Camillus Wambura for enforcement, it specified.

A week before June 1, during a Sunday service, the church leader announced a seven-day prayer campaign across over 2,000 church branches, appealing for justice and peace.

Bishop Gwajima pointedly condemned growing incidents of abductions, including arrests and torture of foreigners using regional passports to visit the country in relation to ongoing court matters.

The church leader spoke out strongly against such acts, sparking intense misgivings in ruling party circles, where a number of MPs came forward to denounce his statements.

The 54 year old prelate, born on December 19, 1970 in Mwanza Region became Kawe MP in the wake of the October 2020 elections, taking away the seat from veteran MP Halima Mdee from the leading opposition party, Chadema.

He also served as on the Industry, Trade and Environment committee in the National Assembly, known for his charismatic leadership enabling him to establish a significant following through his church and media presence, analysts noted.