Tanzanian MP shut down after he accused the government of human rights violations
Nairobi, Kenya (AP) – Tanzania authorities have lifted churches in churches owned by ruling MPs after they accused the government of human rights violations ahead of the October election.
Congressman Josephat Gwajima's glory at the Christian church in the commercial capital Dares Salaam was blocked by police on Tuesday after hundreds of compatriots protested.
The social registrant in Tanzania wrote a letter to the Church of Gwajima saying that his preaching was a violation of acceptable religious organizations.
Last Sunday's MPs called on the government to call for so-called detention and enforce the disappearance, warning his mates to remain vigilant.
His message came a few days later after Kenyan activists and his Ugandan counterpart accused Tanzanian police of detaining and tortureing them.
Since Tanzania's independence in 1961, Tanzanians will elect president and MPs in October, while the ruling party CCM has been in power.
The main opposition party, Shadema, has been calling for election reforms ahead of the election.
Gwajima was elected in 2020 after the recognition of then-President John Magufuli. His popularity has risen over the years and he is seen as an outspoken critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, who is serving after his death.
Hassan ran for the upcoming October general election and was accused of silenced critics after opposition leaders were arrested in recent months.
On her first day of her tenure, she presented a reconciliational tone and lifted a six-year ban on political gatherings imposed by Magfili.
Hassan's tone has changed in recent months as she warned foreign activists to come to Tanzania to participate in court cases by opposition leaders, saying she would not allow them to destroy the country.
Some militants were deported to Kenya when they arrived in Tanzania, and the Tanzanian government did not explain the reasons for the deportation.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International, urge Tanzania to investigate allegations of human rights abuses against activists.
