Kenyan Rights Groups Accuse Suluhu Government of Widespread Abuses, Term Polls as ‘Sham Election’

Several regional human rights organizations have condemned Tanzania’s upcoming general elections, accusing President Samia Suluhu’s administration of orchestrating a “sham election” marred by human rights violations and suppression of political opposition.

In a joint statement issued on Tuesday, the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), Pan-African Progressive Leaders Network, Vocal Africa, and PAWA 254 criticized what they termed as the total breakdown of democracy within Tanzania. 

The groups alleged that opposition voices have been silenced through intimidation, arbitrary arrests, and state-sponsored violence.

According to the statement, “there will be no genuine elections in Tanzania,” as the ruling regime has allegedly dismantled all systems meant to ensure transparency and fairness. 

The organizations claimed that all major opposition candidates have been arrested, detained, or disqualified by the country’s electoral commission.

Reports from human rights monitors suggest that President Suluhu’s government has waged a covert campaign of fear, marked by enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings of perceived political opponents.

The groups accused authorities of deliberately targeting the main opposition party, CHADEMA, and its leader Tundu Lissu, who is currently facing treason charges for demanding electoral reforms. They said this reflects the extent of political intolerance in the country.

Tensions between Kenya and Tanzania have also escalated in recent weeks. On October 18, chaos erupted at the Kenya–Tanzania border after protesters from both countries stormed immigration offices demanding the release of Tanzanian opposition figure John Heche, who was allegedly arrested at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while heading to attend Raila Odinga’s burial in Bondo, Siaya County.

Police later dispersed the crowd and sealed off the area. With Heche’s whereabouts still unknown, ODM Secretary General Edwin Sifuna has since urged the Tanzanian government to reveal the fate of the CHADEMA deputy party leader.

Tanzania is set to hold its general elections on Wednesday, October 29, to elect the president, members of parliament, and ward councillors.