HOURS after the opposition party CHADEMA released a public statement alleging a plot to poison its chairman, Tundu Lissu, while in custody, the government has strongly denied the claims.
In a statement issued today July 3, 2025, Gerson Msigwa, the Information, Culture, Arts and Sports permanent secretary and chief government spokesman, :
"The Government of Tanzania denies the allegations circulating on social media linking the government to an alleged plan to poison the accused, Tundu Lissu."
He urged the public to disregard the claims, calling them baseless and false.
He further stated that Lissu, as mentioned by his political party and some foreign politicians, is facing charges in court under the law and is being held in custody pending the conclusion of his case.
"The government has never had any plan to poison anyone in custody and has no intention of doing so to anyone. These claims have been spread with malicious intent to tarnish Tanzania’s reputation, and authorities have already begun taking action against those involved in publishing and distributing the falsehoods," the statement read.
On the night of July 2, CHADEMA's Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, issued a statement saying the party had received credible information about plans to poison Lissu while in detention.
“These reports were received tonight, July 2, 2025, from various reliable sources. Among those who commented on the issue is Hon. David McAllister, Chair of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, who posted on X (formerly Twitter):
‘‘I am deeply concerned by the horrifying reports of an attempt to poison Tanzanian opposition leader Tundu Lissu while in detention.’’
Brenda said CHADEMA is taking the matter very seriously, noting that this is not the first time CHADEMA leaders have been subjected to threats, attacks, or various forms of persecution, often without meaningful response from relevant authorities.
“We call upon the responsible institutions, including security and intelligence agencies, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, and the Judiciary, to urgently and independently investigate these serious allegations. We also urge the government to issue a clear statement and take responsibility for ensuring the safety of Hon. Tundu Lissu while in custody,” she said.
“We call on the international community, human rights organizations, diplomats, and all other relevant actors to closely follow up on this matter and demand accountability, the protection of human rights, and respect for democratic principles in Tanzania.”
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