- Former Tanzanian ambassador Humphrey Polepole has gone missing after a violent home attack in Dar es Salaam
- Polepole, a vocal critic of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, resigned earlier this year, citing government corruption and rule-of-law concerns
- Tanzanian police confirmed they are investigating the disappearance, noting online reports and emphasising that Polepole was expected to respond to a summon
- The incident has sparked national concern, with videos of the attack circulating on social media and authorities vowing to follow up on the case
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Former Tanzanian ambassador and outspoken government critic Humphrey Polepole has gone missing under mysterious circumstances.
Source: Facebook
Godfrey Polepole, Humphrey’s younger brother, told the BBC that the alleged abduction occurred in the early hours at his residence.
“We went to the house where he was living and found the door broken, electric wires cut, and a large amount of blood spilled,” he said.
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Videos showing bloodstains on the floor have circulated online, though authorities have not independently verified their authenticity.
Dar es Salaam police chief Jumanne Muliro questioned the reported attack, noting that Polepole “often claimed to be out of the country,” and asked how such an incident could occur at his home.
He said the police were following the matter closely, as National police spokesperson David Misime confirmed that the force had seen reports online and was investigating.
Misime added that Polepole had been legally summoned to report to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) regarding allegations he posted on social media, but had not complied.
“Polepole was summoned in accordance with the laws of the country to report to the Office of the Director of Criminal Investigations to provide statements regarding various allegations he made through social media.
However, to date, he has not complied with the legal instructions. The Police Force has noted reports circulating on social media and from his relatives claiming that he has been kidnapped. We have already begun investigating these reports to establish the truth,” he stated.
What prior threats had Polepole faced?
Polepole resigned from his ambassadorial post in Cuba in July, citing his inability to remain part of a government he accused of undermining justice and the rule of law.
Following his resignation, President Samia Suluhu Hassan revoked his diplomatic status, and since then, Polepole has made several public allegations.
He previously claimed that armed individuals had loitered near his home and harassed his family.
Polepole further alleged that his residence had been raided twice, with investigations stalled despite police involvement.
On Tuesday, October 7, Polepole’s lawyers, led by Advocate Peter Kibatala, filed a special petition at the Tanzania High Court in Dar es Salaam, seeking urgent orders to compel authorities to produce him.
Source: Twitter
The Citizen reports that the petition names the Inspector General of Police, the Director of Public Prosecutions, the Attorney General, and local police commanders as respondents.
Kibatala said the petition was filed under emergency provisions due to concerns for Polepole’s safety and called for immediate judicial intervention.
Who is Suluhu facing in the Tanzanian elections?
As earlier reported, Tanzania is entering a tense electoral period, with general elections scheduled for 29 October this year.
Samia is seeking a second and final term after assuming office in 2021 following the death of John Magufuli.
While she was initially praised for expanding political freedoms, her administration has faced criticism for an alleged crackdown on opposition parties and civil society.
The main opposition party, Chadema, has been banned from participating in the elections, and its leader, Tundu Lissu, has been detained since April on treason charges.
Luhaga Mpina of ACT-Wazalendo, Tanzania’s second-largest opposition party, has also been disqualified, leaving minor party candidates to challenge Suluhu.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
