Tanzania shuts down MP Gwajima’s church after criticism of government over abductions

Tanzanian MP and bishop, Josephat Gwajima, whose church has been shut down after he criticised President Samia Suluhu’s administration over alleged abductions of opposition members and their supporters. (Photo: Courtesy)

By Bashir Mbuthia
Tuesday, June 3, 2025

Gwajima sparked fresh controversy last week during a press briefing in which he raised concerns about abductions and enforced disappearances, asking how the government would respond if the victims were the children of high-ranking officials.

The Tanzanian government on Monday deregistered the Glory of Christ Church, led by Kawe MP and Bishop Josephat Gwajima, following his outspoken criticism of President Samia Suluhu’s administration over alleged abductions of opposition members and supporters.

Gwajima stirred fresh controversy last week after a press briefing where he raised alarm over abductions and enforced disappearances, posing a provocative question about how the government would react if the victims were children of top state officials.

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While his comments were welcomed by human rights defenders, they sparked backlash from members of the ruling government, who accused him of damaging the administration's reputation.

Registrar of Civil Societies Emmanuel Kihampa communicated the decision in a letter dated June 2, addressed to Kawe and copied to Tanzania's Inspector General of Police, Cammilus Wambura.

According to Kihampa, Kawe's recent utterances were intended to incite locals and threaten the country's peace, contravening laws that govern religious organisations in Tanzania.

"Hivyo kwa mamlaka niliyopewa chini ya Kifungu cha 17 (b) cha sheria ya Jumuiya Sura ya 337 kikisomwa pamoja na kifungo cha 39 cha sheria Namba 3 ya mwaka 2019 kilichoifanyia marekebisho kifungo cha 2 cha Sheria ya Jumuiya, nikujulisha kuwa nimefuta usajili wa Glory of Christ Tanzania Church @Kanisa la Ufufuo na uzima kuanzia leo Tarehe 2 Juni 2025," (Under the authority granted to me by Section 17(b) of the Civil Societies Act... I hereby inform you that the registration of Glory of Christ Tanzania Church is revoked as of today, June 2, 2025), reads the letter.

Kihampa also ordered the immediate suspension of the church's activities, stating, "Unatakiwa kusitisha shuguli za Kanisa lako mara moja." (You are required to cease all church activities immediately).

Kihampa said the church has 21 days to appeal the decision.

Reports by The Citizen indicate that a contingent of more than 20 armed police officers surrounded the church on Tuesday morning, cordoning off the property, located in Ubongo, Dar es Salaam, with yellow tape.

The officers, clad in full tactical gear, are reportedly denying persons entry into the church's premises.