Joseph Isangura
Former Member of Parliament for Nzega Vijijini under the ruling party, Hamis Kigwangalla, has called for a legal review to explore avenues that could lead to the dismissal of the case facing opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
In a post shared on Instagram on September 30, 2025, Kigwangalla urged that the principles outlined in President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s “4Rs” agenda — Reconciliation, Reform, Reconstruction, and Resilience — along with her slogan “Kazi na Utu” (Work and Humanity), be applied in seeking a legal solution that could see the charges against Lissu dropped.
Kigwangalla, who previously served as Minister of Natural Resources and Tourism, emphasized the importance of listening to citizens’ voices. “Tanzanians have spoken, and while it may not be possible for them to protest physically, their voices are clear. We must hear them, respect their concerns, and focus on uniting the nation rather than creating division,” he said.
The call comes amid ongoing proceedings at the High Court, where Lissu faces charges linked to comments he allegedly made regarding the 2025 general elections. Lissu has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the case is politically motivated and intended to undermine his role as an opposition figure.
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Legal analysts have noted that Kigwangalla’s intervention highlights the tension between law and politics in Tanzania, suggesting that political actors continue to play a significant role in shaping legal outcomes. Observers also stress the importance of ensuring that any legal process remains transparent and adheres strictly to judicial standards.
While the government has not officially responded to Kigwangalla’s proposal, his statements have sparked debate among politicians, legal experts, and civil society groups on how best to balance justice, political freedom, and national unity in the country.
The discussion surrounding Lissu’s case underscores a broader challenge in Tanzanian politics: how to ensure that legal proceedings are fair, impartial, and free from political influence, while also maintaining social cohesion and public confidence in the judicial system.
