Karua responds after being blocked in Tanzania

Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), has criticized Stephen Wasira, the Vice Chairman of Tanzania's Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), for his failure to address the continued violations of the country’s constitution.

In a statement released on April 26, 2025, Karua expressed her disappointment with Wasira’s comments, highlighting his lack of response to the violent suppression of opposition figures and Tanzanian citizens.

"Thank you for the response, but what is disappointing is that Mr. Wasira did not mention anything about the violation of the constitution and the police in Kisutu court, who are preventing and violently attacking citizens and leaders, killing, breaking bones, and injuring people," she said.

In response to her comments on April 25, 2025, in Dodoma, Wasira emphasized that Tanzania upholds peace in East Africa and manages its internal affairs without causing instability.

He further noted that the ruling CCM party and the government respect the independence of the judiciary and do not intervene in its processes.

Meanwhile, Karua condemned the Tanzanian government and CCM for the detention of Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition party CHADEMA. She argued that the government's actions were aimed at undermining the opposition.

"CCM is not afraid of any party, but we cannot interfere with the work of the judiciary or the operations of the Independent National Electoral Commission because these are bodies with their authority. If she’s that knowledgeable, she should focus on Kenya’s issues," said Wasira.

During a political rally, Wasira stated that if Martha Karua thinks her party is too insignificant and is merely seeking attention, she should direct her efforts towards resolving conflicts in other African nations, like South Sudan, rather than interfering in Tanzania's internal matters.

"If she fails, she should go back home and run her party, whose policies are not even known. Let her leave Tanzania to conduct its elections in its own way," added Wasira.

Stephen also highlighted that during Kenya’s most recent election, Martha Karua was Raila Odinga’s running mate.

The duo contested the decision of the electoral commission, taking the matter to the Supreme Court, but ultimately did not succeed.

Furthermore, Martha Karua had approached the East African Court of Justice to challenge the election results, but lost the case.

"If she lost there, she should allow Lissu to face his case. The verdict will be delivered, and she should accept it just as she accepted Kenya’s," Wasira remarked.

On Friday, April 11, 2025, Martha Karua demanded the immediate dismissal of all charges against Tundu Lissu, condemning the treason accusation as politically driven.

"Release Tundu Lissu. This is an unacceptable suppression of political competition in an election year," Karua stated.

She also called for the release of all political prisoners held in Tanzania, asserting that their detention represents a blatant violation of basic human rights.