Tanzanian opposition leader and Chadema Deputy Chairperson John Heche has been arrested at the Isibania One Stop Border Post while attempting to cross into Kenya to attend the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo, Siaya County. Heche says Tanzanian authorities confiscated his passport and detained him without explanation.
Highlights
- Chadema Deputy Chairperson John Heche arrested at the Isibania border en route to Raila’s burial.
- Heche says his passport was seized without being told his offense.
- The politician was to represent Chadema leader Tundu Lissu at the ceremony.
- Lissu, who faces treason charges, had pleaded to attend Raila’s burial but was denied.
- Tanzanian opposition claims government is silencing dissent ahead of 2025 elections.
Main Story
Arrest at the Border
Tanzanian opposition politician John Heche was arrested and detained by border authorities at the Isibania One Stop Border Post on Saturday, cutting short his journey to attend the burial of former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Heche, the Deputy Chairperson of the Chadema party, took to social media to reveal that his passport had been confiscated and that officers refused to disclose the reason for his detention.
“Nimezuiliwa hapa mpakani, wanataka kunichukua bila kufuata utaratibu. Sina kosa lolote, hata aliechukua passport yangu hajaniambia nina kosa gani,” Heche posted on X.
(“I have been detained here at the border. They want to take me without following the law. I have committed no offense, and the officer who took my passport hasn’t told me what my crime is.”)
He urged Tanzanians to reject what he described as “lawless governance,” warning that a nation ignoring its own legal framework is dangerous for all citizens.
Representing Tundu Lissu
Heche had been scheduled to represent Chadema Party Leader Tundu Lissu at Raila’s burial on Sunday in Bondo. Lissu, who remains in custody facing treason charges, had earlier written an emotional appeal to Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan requesting permission to attend the burial.
“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,” Lissu pleaded.
His request was denied by both the courts and the presidency, prompting Heche to travel in his place before being stopped at the border.
Political Tensions Rising
Lissu was arrested earlier this month after calling for Tanzanians to boycott the October 29, 2025, General Election unless the electoral process is reformed. He has accused President Suluhu’s ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), of planning to rig the vote through unfair systems.
Heche’s arrest adds to growing concern among Tanzanian opposition supporters who claim the state is cracking down on political freedom and silencing dissenting voices.
Read Also
- Samia Suluhu: Raila’s Death Is a Pain Shared Across Borders
- Raila’s Body Arrives in Nairobi Amid Tears and Chaos
- The Late Raila Odinga to Be Buried on Sunday
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As Raila’s burial draws leaders from across the continent, Heche’s arrest highlights the political tensions still shaping East Africa’s struggle for democracy and free expression.
