Tanzanian pastors and government critics

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Tanzanian pastors and government critics

Father Charles Kittima has always been a government outspoken critic [TEC]

Tanzania’s famous Catholic priests and government critics were under fierce attacks after political tensions escalated before the expiration in October.

Father Charles Gitima, who attended the full-day religious meeting, ambushed in the evening in a canteen bathroom near his residence in Dar es Salaam.

According to police, he was hit in the head by a blunt weapon and was later taken to the hospital and his condition was stable.

Witnesses said Father Kitima was talking to several people before the attack and was later found bleeding and called for help, a moment after seeing the individual escape from the scene.

Police said they detained a suspect and the investigation continued.

The attack on Father Kitima is the secretary-general of the Catholic bishops’ Conference of the Tanzania (TEC), and has been widely condemned.

Tanganyika Bar Association President Boniface Mwabukusi visited the pastor at the hospital, saying it was “a cruel attack with the aim of making a living”.

Mwabukusi posted on X that Father Kitima sent a message to Tanzanians that “we should not be afraid of paying the price for justice and fulfilling their obligations to the state”.

Before the election, political tensions in Tanzania were intensifying, and rights groups drew attention to narrowing the space for citizens, accountability and justice.

John Heche, vice chairman of the opposition Shadma Party, said the incident was “national news.”

The lobbyist Centre for Law and Human Rights also condemned the “heerful attack” that portrayed the country’s “bad image.”

Father Kitima often criticized government policies and became well known in Tanzania for his bold stance on democratic reform and human rights.

The attack shocked faith leaders and civil society days after Catholics called on the government to call for election reforms, a major opposition demand.

The 60% followers of the Christian church’s leaders have become increasingly outspoken about justice and governance.

However, some supporters of the ruling party have not accepted their criticism well, and some senior figures have asked religious leaders to stay away from politics.

Samia Suluhu Hassan warned the opposition last weekend that “no one is above the law.”

“We can’t let this election be the cause of the conflict,” she added.

She also tried to downplay her fear of rigging by oath “to do everything possible to ensure elections are free and fair.”

Since last year, a wave of attacks and kidnappings have been directed at government critics. Senior opposition figures have also been arrested, including Tundu Lissu, the leader of Shadema, accused of treason.

However, this kind of attack on church leaders is not common.

Police said the motive for the attack was not yet known for Father Kitima and the ongoing investigation was intended to identify other suspects.

The government has not commented on the attack.

But Stephen Wasira, vice chairman of the ruling CCM party, condemned the issue and sent a sympathetic message to the pastor.