Tanzania Police Detain Opposition Leaders in Mbeya Over Alleged Illegal Gathering

Police in Tanzania’s Mbeya Region detained two leaders of the opposition party Chadema, Regional Chairman Masaga Kaloli and the head of the party’s youth council, Elisha Chonya (Bavicha), on January 21, 2026. They were arrested in Inyala village during activities marking Chadema’s 33rd anniversary after police received reports that they were mobilising people to hold a meeting without following legal procedures. Authorities described the gathering as unlawful, and investigations were being finalised to determine further legal action.  

Chadema stated that the anniversary programme was not intended as a political rally but included community activities, such as sports and communal meals, and that the police wrongly intervened by lowering the party flag. The party’s secretary, Hamad Mbeyale, criticised the arrests and said Chadema would monitor the situation to ensure the leaders’ release without conditions.