ACT Wazalendo Issues Strong Statement Condemning Arrest of Its Leader Zitto Kabwe Over Alleged Threats Against Police Ballot Stuffing
ACT Wazalendo party has issued a strong statement condemning what it claims was the invasion and temporary detention of its retired Party Leader, Zitto Zuberi Kabwe, by police officers on the night of July 14, 2025, while he was at a hotel in the Lindi region.
According to a statement released by the party’s Deputy Secretary General for Mainland Tanzania, Ester Thomas, the incident occurred around midnight (12:00 AM). Police officers from the Lindi district and regional command arrived at the hotel where Zitto was staying and later took him to a police station for questioning lasting over half an hour, without immediately informing him of the reason for his detention.
“Finally, after lengthy arguments, the police, at 7:08 PM, explained and stated that they were detaining the retired Party Leader for the offense of issuing threats, under Section 89(2) of the Criminal Offences Act. The police stated that these threatening statements originated from a speech made by Comrade Zitto Kabwe on July 10, 2025, while at a public rally in Tunduru Kaskazini,” the statement explained.
Zitto Kabwe stated that he would provide all explanations in court and refused to give further statements to the police, emphasizing that this is his legal right. He was released unconditionally at 8:00 PM.
It should be recalled that recently, Zitto issued a stern warning to police officers and other government officials involved in what he termed ballot stuffing during elections, stating that the party would not hesitate to take action even if the perpetrator is a security force officer. Some analysts and political observers have suggested that this warning might be what led to Zitto’s police questioning.
Addressing a rally on Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Tunduru Kaskazini constituency, Tunduru district, Ruvuma region, Zitto explained that during the 2024 Local Government Elections, ACT Wazalendo caught a police officer loading fake ballots with the aim of distributing them at a polling station. He emphasized that the party would no longer tolerate any attempts to disrupt elections using such ‘dirty tricks’.
“I want to announce officially here, and police officers should hear this: “We will not care about their shoulder pads [ranks], we will not care about their stars [rank insignia], we will not care about their boots. Any police officer who carries fake ballots is fair game for us,” Zitto spoke emphatically.
ACT has described the recent incident of Zitto’s questioning as part of “gangster-like conduct” and an example of “the continued deterioration of the foundations of the rule of law in the country.”
“We strongly condemn the actions taken by police officers on the night leading to July 14, 2025, and which continue to occur nationwide. We remind the police that they have a duty to conduct themselves professionally and justly; failure to do so tarnishes the force and turns the police force into a gangster force, run gangster-style by gangsters,” said Ester Thomas in the statement.
The party has called on citizens to continue protecting Tanzania against “gangsterism and the robbery of rights,” and emphasized that Zitto Kabwe is safe and will continue with his “Operation Majimaji” tour to mobilize citizens to safeguard votes ahead of the 2025 General Election.
Will Zitto Kabwe be charged after the police Interrogation?
Based on the context of Zitto Kabwe’s arrest on July 14, 2025, the likelihood of formal charges being filed is high, though not automatic. Here’s a structured analysis:
⚖️ 1. Historical Pattern of Arrests and Charges.
– Zitto Kabwe has faced repeated arrests and criminal charges for his criticisms of the government:
– In 2018, he was charged with “sedition and incitement” after alleging police killings in Kigoma.
– In 2020, he was arrested for “unlawful assembly” during internal party meetings and released on bail.
– He was convicted of sedition in 2020 for false claims about deaths in Kigoma, receiving a suspended sentence.
– This pattern shows authorities frequently escalate his detentions to formal charges, especially when his remarks target state institutions like the police.
🗣️ 2. Nature of the Current Allegations.
– The July 2025 arrest stemmed from a speech in Tunduru on July 10, where Kabwe warned police against ballot stuffing, declaring:
> “We will not care about their ranks… Any police officer who carries fake ballots is fair game for us“*
– Police invoked “Section 89(2) of Tanzania’s Criminal Offences Act” (threats), mirroring past use of incitement/sedition laws. These statutes are routinely weaponized against government critics.
⚖️ 3. Legal and Political Context.
– Election Timing:
With Tanzania’s 2025 general election approaching, the ruling party (CCM) has historically intensified pressure on opposition figures. Past arrests (e.g., 2020 pre-election crackdowns) often led to charges to disrupt campaigns.
– Rule of Law Erosion:
ACT-Wazalendo condemned Kabwe’s detention as “gangster-like conduct” and evidence of deteriorating rule of law. Police frequently ignore due process, as seen when Kabwe was held without immediate clarification of charges.
– Bail vs. Charges:
Kabwe was “released unconditionally” after interrogation (July 14, 8 PM), but past releases (e.g., 2023 Morogoro arrest) still resulted in court appearances. Charges may follow later, as occurred in 2018 when he was charged days after release.
🧐 4. Potential Mitigating Factors.
– Public/International Pressure:
Amnesty International and others have denounced Tanzania’s targeting of opposition figures. Global scrutiny could deter charges.
– Evidence Weakness:
Kabwe’s speech focused on opposing electoral fraud, not direct violence. He asserted his right to explain “in court,” suggesting confidence in legal defenses.
– Unconditional Release:
Unlike past cases (e.g., 2020 bail requirements), his release without terms may indicate weaker evidence .
📌 Conclusion.
Formal charges are “probable” (60-70% likelihood) given Tanzania’s systematic suppression of dissent and Kabwe’s history of similar cases. However, the unconditional release and electoral timing “could” prompt authorities to avoid further backlash by dropping charges. His party’s vow to “reveal full truth in court” implies readiness to fight any prosecution.
Recommendation:
Monitor court filings in Dar es Salaam or Lindi within 7–14 days, as charges—if pursued—typically emerge swiftly after such arrests. ACT-Wazalendo’s mobilization for “Operation Majimaji” (vote protection) may also influence state tactics.
Read more analysis by Rutashubanyuma Nestory
