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A notable Tanzanian Catholic cleric and vocal government critic has been brutally assailed amid escalating political strife ahead of elections scheduled for October.
Political Tensions and the Assault on Fr. Kitima
Fr. Charles Kitima, who had participated in a day-long religious gathering, was waylaid by two individuals at night in a cafeteria restroom near his home in Dar es Salaam.
The police reported that he sustained a blow to the head with a bludgeoning instrument and was subsequently hospitalised, where he is currently in stable condition.
Witnesses recounted that Fr. Kitima had engaged in conversations with several people prior to the assault. He was later discovered bleeding and crying for assistance, mere moments after unnamed assailants were seen fleeing the premises.
Ongoing Investigations and Suspect Detention
The police disclosed that they have taken a suspect into custody as inquiries proceed.
The incident, targeting Fr. Kitima, who serves as the secretary-general of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), has drawn widespread censure.
Condemnation from Legal and Human Rights Groups
Boniface Mwabukusi, president of the Tanganyika Law Society, visited Fr. Kitima in the hospital. He characterised the assault as “a barbaric attack intended to end his life.”
In a post on X, Mwabukusi shared Fr. Kitima’s message to Tanzanians, urging them: “Do not be daunted by the price of advocating for justice and fulfilling our duties to the nation.”
Political unrest is mounting in Tanzania as the general elections approach, with rights organisations expressing apprehensions over the dwindling civic space, accountability, and justice.
John Heche, deputy chairman of the opposition Chadema party, described the incident as sobering “news for the country.”
The advocacy group Legal and Human Rights Centre similarly denounced the “gruesome attack,” which, they asserted, casts a negative light on the nation.
The Critique of Fr. Charles Kitima and the Role of Religious Leaders in Tanzania
Fr. Kitima has frequently opposed government policies and is recognized across Tanzania for his outspoken positions on democratic reforms and human rights.
The assault has stirred concern among faith leaders and civil society, occurring mere days after the Catholic Church urged the government to address calls for electoral reform—a key demand of the opposition.
Christian church leaders, whose followers constitute 60% of Tanzania’s population, have grown increasingly vocal on matters of justice and governance.
Nevertheless, their criticism has not been universally warmly received by some supporters of the ruling party, with certain high-ranking figures advocating for religious leaders to refrain from political involvement.
On the preceding weekend, President Samia Suluhu Hassan cautioned the opposition, stating, “No one is above the law.”
“We must ensure disputes do not mar this election,” she emphasised.
She also endeavored to allay fears of ballot tampering, pledging that the government would “exert all efforts to guarantee the election is free and fair.”
Wave of Assaults on Government Critics
Since the beginning of last year, there
has been a spate of assaults and abductions
directed at government detractors. Prominent
opposition figures have also been apprehended,
including Tundu Lissu of Chadema, who has
been indicted for treason.
However, such attacks on religious figures are remarkably unusual.
Police have intimated that the motivation behind Fr. Kitima’s attack remains unclear. Detectives are actively pursuing leads to identify additional suspects.
The government has yet to issue an official statement on the matter.
Stephen Wasira, vice-chairman of the ruling CCM party, decried the assault and conveyed sympathies to Fr. Kitima.