DAR ES SALAAM — September 8, 2026 — CHADEMA communications official Brenda Rupia told the High Court in Dar es Salaam that she did not see any intention by opposition leader Tundu Lissu to threaten the Tanzanian government in the speech at the center of his treason trial.
Rupia testified as a defence witness in Lissu’s treason trial. Prosecutors linked the charge to remarks Lissu allegedly made at a CHADEMA meeting on April 3, 2025.”
Lissu Questions Witness About His Two-Hour Speech
During questioning, Lissu asked Rupia to explain what she remembered from the speech, which she said lasted roughly two hours or more.
Rupia said the CHADEMA chairman spoke about problems facing Tanzania, areas where reforms were needed and the party’s “No Reforms, No Election” position.
She said Lissu argued that without meaningful reforms it would be difficult to conduct a free and democratic election.
The “No Reforms, No Election” campaign has been a central issue throughout the trial. Earlier defence testimony has said the position developed from concerns raised after the 2024 local-government elections and was later adopted by the party leadership.
Debate Over References to “Rebellion”
Lissu also questioned Rupia about references to “rebellion” associated with the speech.
Rupia linked those remarks to an internal group she referred to as G55, which she described as involving people within the party who wanted CHADEMA to participate in the election despite the party’s reform demands.
According to her testimony, the debate concerned whether the “No Reforms, No Election” position itself could be interpreted as rebellion and why Lissu believed the party should oppose participation in an election it considered neither free nor fair.
The prosecution has alleged that Lissu used language encouraging disruption of the election, while defence witnesses have argued that portions of his remarks were taken out of context.
“I Do Not See an Intention to Threaten the Government”
Lissu then asked Rupia whether, in her understanding of the full speech, she saw an intention to threaten the government.
Rupia answered that she did not.
Her testimony directly addresses one of the central questions in the case: whether Lissu’s words represented political advocacy for electoral reforms or crossed the legal threshold into conduct amounting to treason.
Rupia Describes Lissu as a Democracy Campaigner
Lissu also asked Rupia how long she had known him and how she would describe him.
She told the judges that she had known him as a political leader for about 13 years and described him as someone who had consistently campaigned for democracy, political rights and electoral reform in Tanzania.
She referred to his years as an opposition politician, presidential candidate and CHADEMA chairman, as well as arrests, detention and other political confrontations he has faced.
Lissu previously told the same court that his case should be understood in the context of his long campaign for a new Constitution, electoral reform and the rule of law.
“He Appears to Be a Patriot”
Lissu then asked whether, based on the character she had described, she considered him a traitor to Tanzania.
Rupia said the person she knew appeared to be a patriot with strong love for his country, adding that she found it difficult to see such a person as a traitor.
Her statement represents the assessment of a defence witness and does not determine Lissu’s guilt or innocence. That question remains for the three-judge High Court panel to decide after considering all evidence from both the prosecution and defence.
Prosecution Cross-Examination Comes Next
Rupia has now completed her main testimony.
The next stage is for state prosecutors to cross-examine her and challenge the evidence she has given in Lissu’s defence.
The High Court recently extended the hearing period by 14 days after Rupia, the fourth defence witness, had not completed her evidence by the previously scheduled end of proceedings. The case is being heard by Justices Dunstan Ndunguru, James Karayemaha and Ferdinand Kiwonde.
🇹🇿 The trial continues, with the court still tasked with deciding whether Lissu’s April 2025 speech constituted treason or political advocacy for electoral reform.
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✍️ Author: Mangwa
Mangwa mangwa
Mangwa Mangwa is the Founder of MECAMEDIA, a journalist, media professional, and political analyst committed to delivering credible news and meaningful stories from Africa and around the world. His work focuses on politics, leadership, business, community development, and current affairs, with a mission to inform, inspire, and connect communities through responsible journalism.