TANZANIA: Fr. Kitima Recovering After Brutal Attack: TEC Links Incident to Human Rights Advocacy
Secretary General of TEC Rev. Charles Kitima
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
Fr. Charles Kitima, the Secretary General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), is currently recovering at Agha Khan Hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, following a brutal attack on Wednesday, April 30, which the Church in Tanzania suspects was linked to his outspoken advocacy for human rights.
While the doctors have reported gradual improvement, as shared by the Deputy Secretary General Fr. Chesco Msaga in an interview with AMECEA Online, they have advised extended rest.
Despite the severity of the incident, Fr. Chesco disclosed that the police have yet to provide any substantial update on their investigation. The TEC official confirmed that some members were interviewed shortly after the attack, but no follow-up communication has been made. The Church, therefore, continues to emphasize the need to protect voices that stand for justice, peace, and the dignity of all citizens.
According to Fr. Chesco, the incident occurred at the residence and Headquarters of the Bishops’ Conference, Kurasini – Dar es Salaam, the evening after a meeting of religious leaders from various religions gathered to discuss the country’s general electoral challenges ahead of the main event scheduled for November 2025.
The religious leaders who gathered for the meeting were from TEC, the Christian Council of Tanzania (CCT), and the National Muslim Council of Tanzania (BAKWATA).
In a statement shared by the members of TEC after the attack on Fr. Kitima, the bishops called on the relevant agencies, including the Police Force and other security agencies, “to take immediate action to identify and arrest all those involved in planning and carrying out this barbaric crime and bring them to justice.”
They further appealed that the investigation should be carried out quickly and the information be provided transparently and without any distortion to restore faith and hope to our people.
The Bishops appreciate the cooperation from the Government, security agencies, individuals, local and international institutions that continue to condemn and express condolences for the terrible and shameful incident for the Nation.
“We ask the faithful and people of goodwill to continue praying for the grace of healing for Fr. Kitima, and also to pray for peace and unity for our Nation,” the Church leaders said and concluded, “In addition, we ask you to be patient and tolerant while we await the results of the investigation by the relevant agencies.”
