CCM raises Sh5 million in 15 minutes at a rally to help foot Lissu’s car repair bills

Dar es Salaam. The ruling party, CCM, has raised over Sh5 million in a fundraiser to support opposition Chadema Vice Chairman (Mainland) Tundu Lissu to repair his vehicle.

The vehicle is the one in which he was when assailants sprayed bullets on him on September 7, 2017, in the country’s administrative capital, Dodoma.

Mr Lissu was shot outside his house and survived 16 bullets that hit him on various parts of his body.

The damaged Toyota Land Cruiser V8, VXR was given back to him on May 17, 2024, after staying at the Central Police Station yard for seven years.

The CCM fundraiser, held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 during a public rally at the Furahisha Grounds in Mwanza Region, saw Sh5.3 million being raised.

The CCM Secretary of Ideology, Publicity, and Training, Mr Amos Makalla, organised the impromptu fundraiser at the rally addressed by the party’s Secretary General, Dr Emmanuel Nchimbi.

Mr Makala said his decision to raise the cash after he was concerned with the transport challenges the outspoken opposition leader (Mr Lissu) was facing.

He reacted to the statement by a new CCM cadre, Reverend Peter Msigwa, who had said that Mr Lissu was relying on the worn out vehicle despite his status and the security he deserved.

"I am deeply saddened that Lissu is now driven in a decrepit car. I urge everyone to contribute. Anyone being touched by this situation let them step forward,” Mr Makalla told the rally.

The cash, which was raised in 15 minutes, was deposited into Mr Lissu’s CRDB Bank account.

The bank transaction receipt, seen by The Citizen, shows that the amount was successfully deposited into the opposition leader’s bank account.

Speaking on the issue, Mr Lissu expressed gratitude for the donation as similar financial support was given to him by individuals and different groups of people.

“I have received the money like all other past donations, not from the Chadema members alone.

However, I appreciate the gesture,” Mr Lissu said.

For his part, Dr Nchimbi hailed Rev Msigwa for his compassion and underscored that the gesture aligned with the core values in President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s 4Rs policy: reconciliation, resilience, rebuilding, and restoration.

"This is how we live by the 4Rs of President Samia Suluhu Hassan—promoting love, peace, and unity," remarked Dr Nchimbi.

Appreciating what had been done, Rev Msigwa said he had been deeply moved by the fundraiser to support Mr LIssu.

“Mr Lissu is our fellow Tanzanian who deserves support just like anyone else,” said Mr Msigwa.

The CCM Secretary General has concluded his 15-day tour of Kigoma, Kagera, Geita, and Mwanza regions.

His visit focused on assessing the implementation of CCM’s 2020-2025 election manifesto, evaluating the party’s vitality, and engaging with local communities, especially in addressing the challenges facing their respective areas.