Who Is Tundu Lissu and Why He's Facing Treason Charges in Tanzania

In the East African region, especially in Kenya and Tanzania, Tundu Lissu is a well-known figure for many who follow regional politics.

Recently, Lissu has made headlines after his arrest in Tanzania and subsequent treason charges.

Who is Tundu Lissu?

Tundu Antiphas Mughwai Lissu is a Tanzanian lawyer, CHADEMA politician, anti-corruption activist, and former Member of Parliament for Singida East constituency from 2010 to 2020.

He is also the former president of the Tanganyika Law Society (TLS), the bar association of mainland Tanzania, and has served as Chairperson of the major opposition party CHADEMA since January 21, 2025.

Assassination Attempt

In 2017, Lissu survived an assassination attempt at his home in Dodoma, where he was shot 16 times.

He was flown to Kenya for medical treatment before moving to Belgium, where he sought asylum.

In July 2020, he returned to Tanzania to run for president against the then-incumbent John Magufuli but was unsuccessful.

Treason Charges

Lissu is currently in custody in Tanzania, having been arrested about two months ago.

He was charged with treason last month after prosecutors alleged that he gave a speech inciting the public to rebel and disrupt the upcoming elections scheduled for October this year.

Lissu’s CHADEMA party has demanded significant reforms to the electoral process, which they claim currently favors the ruling party, before participating in the elections.

Lissu appeared in court for the first time since his arrest on Monday morning, raising his fist in solidarity as supporters chanted “No Reforms, No Election,” according to a courtroom video shared by CHADEMA on X.

Several activists, particularly from Kenya, who traveled to Tanzania to attend the trial have reported unfair treatment by Tanzanian immigration authorities.

This began with Martha Karua, who was detained at Julius Nyerere Airport and deported back to Kenya.

On Monday morning, others including Boniface Mwangi, Hanifa Farsafi, Hussein Khalid, and former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga also complained about their detention.

An update on the case indicates that Lissu has been remanded in custody again, with his next hearing scheduled for June 2.