Kenyan lawyer and human rights activist Martha Karua has strongly criticised the Tanzanian government for how it is treating opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Karua said Tanzania's parliament is breaking its own laws and using force to silence critics. "Taifa ambalo bunge lake linakiuka waziwazi katiba yake, sheria za kikanda na za kimataifa, na linatumia nguvu dhidi ya wengine, haliwezi kutarajiwa kulinda haki za raia wake, hasa wale wanaokabiliwa na mashtaka yenye msingi wa kisiasa," she wrote.
This loosely translates to (A country whose parliament openly violates its constitution, regional and international laws, and uses force against others cannot be expected to protect the rights of its citizens, especially those facing politically motivated charges.) Karua was referring to Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party.
In April 2025, Lissu was charged with treason after leading a campaign calling for electoral reforms under the slogan 'No Reforms, No Election'.
