Former Kenyan Chief Justice David Maraga arrived in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Monday morning to attend the high-profile trial of Tanzanian opposition leader and CHADEMA party chairperson, Tundu Lissu. Maraga shared news of his arrival on X, stating, “Safely arrived in Dar-es-Salaam. Headed to court for the Tundu Lissu Court Case.”
His presence stood in sharp contrast to the treatment of other Kenyan dignitaries and civil society members who attempted to witness the trial. Several prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and human rights advocates Hanifa Adan and Hussein Khalid, were detained upon arrival at Julius Nyerere International Airport. On Sunday, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, Law Society of Kenya Council member Gloria Kimani, and Pan-African Progressive Leaders Solidarity Network representative Lynn Ngugi were also held at the airport before being deported back to Kenya.
Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi took to social media with a concerning claim that his life was in danger while staying in a hotel in Tanzania, raising alarm over the hostile reception faced by international observers.
Inside the Kisutu Resident Magistrate’s Court, Lissu appeared in person for the first time since his trial began. Previous sessions had been conducted virtually, including a May 6 hearing where the court ruled that the trial would proceed with limited public access and in-person attendance. Security was heavy during the court session, with some officers concealing their identities.
Lissu arrived wearing a white T-shirt with the slogan “No Reforms No Election” printed in sky-blue, and addressed his supporters briefly outside the courthouse. “We are now okay! This is a public trial; let’s meet in public. They wanted it, let them get it,” he said defiantly.
The courtroom was filled with CHADEMA party members and diplomats. Defence lawyers requested that Lissu be allowed to stand in the dock alone, asserting his constitutional right to the presumption of innocence. The court agreed but upheld its previous ruling to keep the trial closed to the public and media, despite objections from Lissu’s legal team.
The magistrate instructed law enforcement to expedite investigations and assess any potential security risks to ensure Lissu’s rights and personal safety are safeguarded for future hearings. The court also emphasized strict decorum, warning that any disruptions such as cheering or heckling would be treated as contempt.
The session ended with the trial adjourned to resume on June 2, 2025. Lissu is facing treason and incitement charges, stemming from an alleged public address in which he is accused of encouraging citizens to rebel and disrupt Tanzania’s upcoming general election in October 2025.
In a recent blow to the opposition, CHADEMA was disqualified from participating in the 2025 elections after the National Electoral Commission ruled that the party failed to meet a procedural requirement signing a mandatory code of conduct by the April 12 deadline.
Written By Faith Mwende
