With just days to go before Tanzania’s presidential elections, the arrest of John Heche, vice-president of the main opposition party Chadema, raises serious concerns. On October 22, 2025, this incident, which followed the confiscation of his passport, highlights the growing crackdown on dissenting figures, as Tanzanian authorities justify their actions with allegations of an illegal border crossing attempt
On October 22, 2025, a new arrest occurred within Tanzania’s opposition, just days before the presidential elections scheduled for October 29, 2025. John Heche, vice-president of the main opposition party Chadema, was detained without official explanation from the police, according to the party’s secretary-general, John Mnyika. A few days before his arrest, his passport had been confiscated by Tanzanian immigration authorities, who accused him of attempting to illegally cross the border. Chadema strongly rejected this accusation, stating that John Heche had all the necessary documents to travel legally while on the way to Kenya to attend the funeral of Kenyan politician Raila Odinga.
John Heche was transferred from the capital, Dar es Salaam, to Tarime, where they claim they are judging his case. We sent our lawyers to the Tarime police station, but they couldn’t find him there.
Brenda Rupia, Chadema Party Spokesperson
For some observers, John Heche’s arrest raises significant political and social issues for Tanzania, especially with the presidential elections on the horizon. It highlights crucial questions about freedom of expression and civil rights in the country. According to opposition members, the systematic attack on opposition figures, arbitrary arrests, and the repression of parties like Chadema point to a democratic setback.
They didn’t provide any reason. However, as the Chadema party, we’ve observed that all our leaders, especially top officials, are being targeted. They want all Chadema leaders behind bars before October 29, election day.
Brenda Rupia, Chadema Party Spokesperson
It’s important to note that, through the police and immigration services, Tanzanian authorities have justified similar arrests in the past by linking them to violations of national laws. Thus, the confiscation of John Heche’s passport was presented by authorities as a national security measure.
