Tanzania deregisters MP's church over 'political incitement'

Josephat Gwahima. [Courtesy]

The Tanzanian government has deregistered Glory of Christ Church, led by Kawe Member of Parliament Josephat Gwajima, accusing it of delivering politically charged sermons intended to incite the public.

According to the Tanzania Registrar of Civil Societies, the church violated the Societies Act, Chapter 337, by preaching in a manner that pits citizens against the government.

"By the powers granted to me, I hereby revoke the registration of the Glory of Christ Church. You are hereby required to stop all activities immediately,'' announced Emmanuel Kihampa, the Registrar.

The registrar accused the church of endangering national peace and stability. However, Gwajima has been advised that he may appeal the decision.

The move comes amid rising diplomatic tensions between Kenya and Tanzania, following the recent detention of activists Boniface Mwangi and Agatha Atuhaire in Dar es Salaam, where they had travelled to attend a court hearing for opposition leader Tundu Lissu.

In a joint briefing yesterday, Mwangi and Atuhaire detailed their alleged abduction, torture, and deportation by Tanzanian authorities.

"They did very terrible things to me and Agatha. Whatever they did was recorded, and they said they would release the footage once we returned home," explained Mwangi.

Atuhaire, on the other hand, criticised her own government for remaining silent. "Bonnie says his government let him down...at least they issued a statement. Mine didn't. For the Ugandan government, it was good riddance.''

On May 23, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged calm and called for diplomatic engagement with neighboring countries amid public uproar over the activists' detention.

"While online activism can raise awareness on issues, it cannot replace the structured dialogue that preserves our bilateral ties and respect for each other's sovereignty. While we address challenges within our borders, we must not assume that our methods are replicable elsewhere. Respect for our neighbors' laws and norms is imperative," said Mudavadi.

Mwangi and Atuhaire were detained for several days while attempting to attend Lissu's court session.

Other prominent figures, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga and constitutional lawyer Martha Karua, were also denied entry into Tanzania.