Lissu's Family Expresses Disappointment Over Four-Year Jail Sentence

The family of Chadema national chairman Tundu Lissu has expressed deep disappointment following his conviction and four-year prison sentence. The High Court's Dar es Salaam Sub-Registry acquitted Mr Lissu of treason charges on Friday, November 6, 2026, after spending 577 days in custody, but convicted him of the lesser charge of incitement. His relatives said the decision had caused them considerable distress, particularly because they believed he had not been given an opportunity to defend himself against the incitement charge.

The ruling came as the family was preparing to bury Mr Lissu's elder brother, lawyer Alute Mughwai, who died on November 1, 2026. The family had postponed some funeral arrangements to follow the proceedings and await the court's decision. Mr Lissu's brother, Mr Muro Lissu, said the family had decided to leave the matter to God while continuing to pray for justice. The family was struggling to find words to describe its feelings.

Mr Lissu's younger brother, Mughwai Jakobo, said the family was deeply hurt by the judgment, questioning how their relative could be convicted of an offence he had not been taken to court to answer. The family felt that the court had not delivered justice to Mr Lissu, and that the judgment had made them feel that there was something behind it.

Despite their disappointment over the judgment, preparations for Mr Alute's burial continued at the Mahambe family home. A condolence book had been placed at the residence by midday on Thursday, with a few mourners arriving to offer their condolences before leaving. The burial site had also been prepared, although digging had not yet begun.

Relatives mourning Mr Alute at his home in Arusha also expressed sadness over Mr Lissu's conviction, although they said they respected the court's decision. Mr Lissu's cousin, Conrad Alute, said the ruling had hurt the family but that they had no choice but to leave the matter to God. The family had stood by Mr Lissu throughout the period following his arrest and subsequent court proceedings.

A close family friend, Mr Joseph Laizer, said he believed the court had not done justice to Mr Lissu, arguing that it should have taken his explanations during the trial into account. Mr Laizer alleged that the court had not delivered justice to Mr Lissu, who he described as an upright person.

The family is set to bury Mr Alute on November 9, 2026, at St Theresa Catholic Church in Arusha, followed by a burial ceremony at the family's ancestral home in Mahambe Village, Ikungi District, Singida Region.

Key points

• The family of Tundu Lissu expressed deep disappointment over his four-year prison sentence for incitement.
• Lissu was acquitted of treason charges but convicted of incitement.
• The family is preparing for the burial of Lissu's elder brother, Alute Mughwai.