Tanzanian authorities have arrested and detained CHADEMA Deputy Chairperson John Heche at the Isibania One-Stop Border Post while he was travelling to Kenya to attend the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Amolo Odinga.

In a statement released on Saturday, October 18, 2025, CHADEMA confirmed that Heche was stopped at around 2 p.m. by Tanzanian Immigration officials in Mara Region as he attempted to cross into Kenya. The party said Heche was on his way to represent detained opposition leader Tundu Lissu at the funeral in Bondo, Siaya County.

CHADEMA accused the government of President Samia Suluhu of political persecution, saying Heche’s arrest was unjustified. The party’s Director of Communications and Publicity, Brenda Rupia, said immigration officers confiscated Heche’s passport without giving any explanation.

“Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) kinapenda kuitangazia umma kuwa Serikali ya Chama Cha Mapinduzi, imemuweka kiziumzi Makamu Mwenyekiti, Mheshimiwa John Wegesa Heche,” the statement read.

“Mhe. Heche amekamatwa Saa Nane, mchana huu wa Jumatatu, Oktoba 18, 2025 mkoani Mara kwenye mpaka wa Tanzania na Kenya huko Isibania One Stop Border alipokuwa anakata kuingia Kenya. Ikumbukwe kuwa jana, tulitoa taarifa tukitanguliza umma kuwa Mhe. Heche atakwenda nchini Kenya kukiwa kilisha Chama hudhuria mazishi ya Mwanasisasa nguli wa Kenya, Raila Amolo Odinga.”

Party demands Heche’s release

The party condemned the move, describing it as an attempt to deny Tanzanians the right to show solidarity with Kenyans mourning the late opposition leader.

“Tuna taka Serikali ya Tanzania imuachie mara moja Mhe. Heche na iache kuwanyanyasa viongozi wa Chama chetu, kuwapora haki yao ya kutoka nje ya nchi na kuingia kama inavyoelewzwa kwenye ibara ya 17(1) ya Katiba ya Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania,” CHADEMA said.

It demanded Heche’s immediate release and called on the Tanzanian government to stop targeting opposition leaders and restricting their movement.

Raila Odinga’s burial is scheduled for Sunday, October 19, at his Opoda Farm in Bondo. His body was airlifted from Kisumu to Siaya on Saturday afternoon aboard a Kenya Defence Forces helicopter after thousands of mourners viewed it at Mamboleo Stadium.

The funeral will be a state ceremony, with President William Ruto expected to lead dignitaries, including foreign leaders and opposition figures, in paying final respects.

Raila, who died in India on Wednesday, was a long-time champion of democracy in Kenya and a key figure in the region’s politics. His death has drawn tributes from across Africa, with leaders describing him as a unifying figure who fought for justice, reform, and freedom.