Tanzania’s Ruling Party Sends Stern Warning to Martha Karua

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua

People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has been warned against interfering in Tanzanian political affairs, with Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) Vice Chairman Stephen Wasira advising her to focus on Kenya's internal issues instead.

Speaking on Friday, April 25, Wasira said that while he respected Karua’s leadership role, she had no jurisdiction to comment on Tanzania’s domestic matters. 

His remarks followed Karua’s recent trip to Tanzania, where she advocated for the release of opposition leader Tundu Lissu and attended court proceedings related to his treason case.

“I listened to Martha Karua when she was here, speaking as a party leader. She alleged that CCM is afraid of Chadema; that is why it is seizing their leaders before the general elections,

I want to boldly tell her, here in Tanzania, there is no party that CCM can fear,” Wasira said.

Chama Cha Mapinduzi Chairman Stephen Wasira

Wasira dismissed claims that CCM was disrupting peace or violating East African Community principles.

CCM Vice Chairman Stephen Wasira argued that Tanzania’s political processes were being conducted lawfully and advised Karua to first understand the situation before making accusations.

"Don't try to compare yourself with CCM. I'd like to let you know that we have no issues with any party, and we cannot meddle in matters of the court," he added.

He suggested that Karua, if interested in promoting democracy, could channel her efforts toward regions facing greater instability, such as the Democratic Republic of Congo or South Sudan.

Karua later responded to Wasira, thanking him for the response but criticizing his failure to address allegations of police brutality during Lissu’s court hearing. 

"Unfortunately, Mr. Wasira did not address the violations of the constitution and the actions of the police at Kisutu court," she said.