Chadema suspends legal affairs secretary over misconduct allegations

Dar es Salaam. The opposition party Chadema has suspended its Northern Zone Legal and Human Rights Committee Secretary, Odero Odero, to allow for investigations into allegations of misconduct.

According to a statement issued on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, by the party’s Northern Zone Secretary, Ndonde Totinan, the decision aims to ensure an impartial inquiry while upholding internal party standards.

“In light of the gravity of the allegations made against him, and to ensure justice for all parties, Odero Odero will step aside from his role as Secretary of the Legal and Human Rights Committee,” the statement reads in part.

The suspension also applies to his duties as a member of the zone’s secretariat, which oversees Chadema operations in Tanga, Kilimanjaro, Arusha and Manyara.

“To avoid any conflict of interest and to enable an independent investigation, he will not take part in secretariat activities during this period,” Totinan added.

Totinan noted that the matter will be presented before the zone’s ethics committee, where Odero will be formally informed of the allegations and given the right to respond, in accordance with the party’s constitution and rules.

“Once the process is complete, we will communicate the outcome. We urge members to remain calm and committed to the party’s campaign under the slogan No Reforms, No Election,” Totinan said.

Odero had contested the national chairmanship during Chadema’s internal election held on January 21, 2025, where he ran against the then incumbent Freeman Mbowe and Tundu Lissu. Lissu emerged victorious with 513 votes, followed by Mbowe with 482. Odero received just one vote.

A total of 999 votes were cast, of which 996 were valid and three were spoilt.

Reached for comment on Thursday morning, Odero confirmed that he received the suspension letter on Wednesday night. However, he did not elaborate on the nature of the allegations or whether he was aware of their specifics.