DAR ES SALAAM (Prime Africa News)–A leading Catholic priest and outspoken government critic, Fr Charles Kitima, has been violently attacked in Tanzania, sparking widespread condemnation and raising alarm over the country’s deteriorating political climate ahead of national elections set for October.
Fr Kitima, the Secretary-General of the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC), was assaulted late Thursday evening in a canteen restroom near his residence in Dar es Salaam, shortly after attending an all-day religious meeting. Police say he was struck on the head with a blunt object in what rights groups have described as an assassination attempt.
According to eyewitnesses, the cleric had been seen in conversation with several unidentified individuals before the attack. Moments later, he was found bleeding and calling for help as two suspects fled the scene. Authorities have confirmed the arrest of one suspect, with investigations ongoing.
Hospital officials say Fr Kitima is in stable condition following emergency treatment.
The incident has drawn fierce condemnation from across Tanzanian society, particularly from religious and civil rights leaders.
“This was a brutal attack with the intent to take his life,” said Boniface Mwabukusi, President of the Tanganyika Law Society, after visiting the priest in hospital. In a message posted on X, Mwabukusi relayed Fr Kitima’s defiant message to Tanzanians: “We should not be afraid to pay the price for standing up for justice and fulfilling our duties to the country.”
The United States Embassy in Dar es Salaam also condemned the assault, calling it “shocking and brutal” and urging a “transparent investigation”. In a statement, it decried “all acts of violence, especially those that aim to silence calls for justice, reconciliation, and human rights”.
Fr Kitima, a respected theologian and voice for democratic reform, has repeatedly criticised government policies and has emerged as a strong advocate for electoral reforms and civil liberties. The attack comes just days after the Catholic Church called for the government to adopt opposition-backed electoral changes—further straining tensions between religious leaders and the state.
The Legal and Human Rights Centre denounced the incident as a “heinous attack” that casts a shadow over Tanzania’s democratic credentials.
Opposition figures also weighed in. “This is bad news for the country,” said John Heche, vice-chairman of the opposition Chadema party. The party’s chairman, Tundu Lissu, has been detained on charges of treason as part of what rights groups describe as a crackdown on dissent.
While attacks on political figures have become increasingly common, assaults on senior religious leaders are rare—raising the stakes as the country approaches a high-stakes election. Churches, which represent the majority of Tanzania’s Christian population—estimated at 60%—have become more vocal on governance issues, prompting backlash from ruling party loyalists.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan, addressing growing concerns, recently warned the opposition that “no-one is above the law”, while insisting the government would ensure free and fair elections.
So far, the government has remained silent on Fr Kitima’s attack. However, Stephen Wasira, vice-chairman of the ruling CCM party, broke ranks to issue a statement condemning the incident and wishing the priest a swift recovery.
As investigations continue, many Tanzanians are left questioning the safety of speaking out and the future of political openness in a nation long seen as a beacon of stability in the region.
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