Kibwana notes rising reform calls in Tanzania as election unrest grows
By Kenneth Mwenda, October 30, 2025Former Makueni governor Kivutha Kibwana has praised Tanzanian youth for pushing back against what he calls an erosion of democratic rights as tension rises after the country’s general election.
In a post on X on Thursday, 30 October 2025, Kibwana said the spirit of Nyerere had entered Tanzanian Gen Z citizens and opposition figure Tundu Lissu. He argued that they are demanding their country back and called for reforms to ensure credible elections.
“The spirit of Nyerere has entered into Tanzanian Gen Z and Tundu Lissu. They are demanding their country back. All of East Africa & indeed Africa say NO REFORMS, NO SHAM ELECTIONS. Tanzania deserves an interim government to organise for a new constitution and genuine elections,” he wrote.
PHOTO/@ProfKibwana/X
His remarks came a day after Tanzania ordered all public servants to work from home following unrest linked to the election. Government spokesperson Gerson Msigwa said the decision aimed to protect workers after police warned of chaos in Dar es Salaam.
Also watch: Amnesty International sounds alarm over escalating repression in Tanzania.
Police imposed a curfew on Wednesday evening after violent demonstrations broke out in parts of the city during voting. Protesters demanded election transparency and political freedoms. Similar unrest was reported in Mbeya, Arusha, Songwe and Shinyanga.
Officers used tear gas to disperse crowds, and several arrests were made. Witnesses saw tyres burned and roads blocked.
Internet watchdogs also reported slowdowns and access restrictions on social media platforms as protests escalated.
Key rivals locked out
The election took place without key opposition leaders. Tundu Lissu, chairman of CHADEMA, remains in custody on treason charges. John Heche, his deputy, was arrested days before the vote, with his whereabouts unclear. Rights groups have called their detention politically motivated and urged the government to release them.
Kibwana’s statement adds to pressure from regional leaders. Earlier on Thursday, Senator Joe Nyutu compared the situation in Tanzania to Kenya before multiparty democracy in 1991. He said Tanzanians were increasingly challenging political control by the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi party.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is seeking a second term. The exclusion of major opposition candidates and a heavy security presence have drawn criticism from civil society and opposition supporters. Protesters say they want a new constitution, a level political field and an independent electoral commission.
As tension remains high, both local leaders and neighbours across the region are watching events closely.