DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tundu Lissu, the prominent Tanzanian opposition leader and former Chadema presidential candidate, currently in custody facing a treason trial, has delegated a high-level party team to attend the burial of the late former Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga.
The decision was formalized following a discussion between Lissu and Deputy Leader John Wegesa Heche during court proceedings on October 16. The directive underscores the profound cross-border solidarity within East Africa’s pro-democracy movements.
The delegation, set to travel to Bondo for the burial on Sunday, October 19, 2025, will be led by Deputy Leader Heche and includes senior party officials Godbless Lema and Boniface Jacob from the Coast Region.
In a statement to the media, the party’s Director of Communication, Brenda Rupia, confirmed the instruction: “The Deputy Leader of Chadema, Hon Heche, will lead a team of party leaders and members to the funeral of Kenya’s former Prime Minister, Raila Odinga. He will be accompanied by Godbless Lema and Boniface Jacob to Bondo for the burial scheduled for Sunday, October 19, 2025.”
Emotional appeal for personal attendance
The directive follows an emotional plea reportedly made by Lissu to the Tanzanian government to permit him to attend the funeral of his long-time political friend.
Lissu directed his appeal to President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the courts, describing the late Odinga as a symbol of democracy in East Africa.
Lissu pleaded for permission to attend, even under stringent conditions: “I appeal to you to allow me to attend the funeral of my friend Raila in Kenya. Even if it means travelling in handcuffs to and fro, please allow me to see Raila’s body.”
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Mr. Odinga, affectionately known as “Baba,” was a steadfast symbol of opposition tenacity and the struggle for democratic space across the region.
Lissu’s actions, both through the official delegation and his personal appeal, reaffirm the deep connection he shared with the Kenyan political icon.
Lissu is currently facing a treason trial stemming from his public calls for Tanzanians to boycott the October 29 vote unless major reforms are implemented in the electoral process—a process he and his party claim unfairly favours the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) party.
