Gwajima not arrested, says lawyer amid church saga

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Wednesday, June 4, Mr Kibatala said Bishop Gwajima had not been arrested and was in a safe location.

“My client is not in custody. I cannot disclose his whereabouts for various reasons, but I can confirm that he is safe,” he said.

Mr Kibatala added that legal action was being prepared in response to the government's decision to deregister the Glory of Christ Tanzania Church (Ufufuo na Uzima), which Bishop Gwajima leads.

On June 2, the Registrar of Civil Societies, Mr Emmanuel Kihampa, announced the church deregistration, citing violations of the Societies Act (Chapter 337), including sermons allegedly inciting public dissent against the government.

Hours later, police surrounded the church, placing yellow tape around the compound and deploying armed officers and a water cannon vehicle.

The premises have remained under heightened security ever since, with congregants barred from entering.

Bishop Gwajima was last seen at the church that evening during the opening of a planned seven-day fasting and prayer programme.

Since then, church members have gathered across the road, hoping for news about their leader.

Legal action underway

Mr Kibatala said legal measures were being taken to challenge the church's deregistration and the ongoing police deployment.

“We are questioning the legal basis of this operation. If the church was truly deregistered, what instrument was used to effect that? Is it the letter being circulated online or another document?” he asked.

He raised concerns about legal inconsistencies, noting that the de-registration referred to “Glory of Christ Church” instead of its official name, “Glory of Christ Tanzania Church.”

He added: “That alone raises both legal and logical questions.”

Mr Kibatala also stated that neither the church leadership nor Bishop Gwajima had received an official deregistration notice, as required by law.

Worshippers arrested

According to Mr Kibatala, several church members were arrested during confrontations with police on the night of June 2 and are being held at Oysterbay Police Station.

“Lawyer Ikoti Lissu and other church officials are handling efforts to secure bail for the detained worshippers,” he said.

He noted that internal reports indicated as many as 80 people might have been arrested, but he added: “I will issue a formal update once the exact number is verified.”

Police deployment questioned

Mr Kibatala further questioned the continued police presence, saying legal proceedings would be pursued in both Dar es Salaam and Dodoma.

“What legal grounds are police using to occupy the premises? If it relates to deregistration, then a formal legal order should exist—not just an online letter,” he said.

In response, Dar es Salaam Special Zone Police Commander Jumanne Muliro said police were enforcing the Registrar’s directives.

“There is a difference between being held and being arrested. Police are only implementing what the Registrar instructed,” said the zonal police chief.

Situation on the ground

As of 5:14 am on Wednesday, June 4, Mwananchi newspaper observed a minor adjustment to the police cordon, with the yellow tape pulled back slightly from the service road. A water cannon previously stationed outside had been moved into the church’s car park, alongside privately owned vehicles.

By midday, the number of worshippers outside had dropped to fewer than 10. Those who remained greeted one another with the phrase “majeshi... majeshi,” expressing hope for a return to normal prayer activities.

Tensions at Gwajima’s residence

A visit to Bishop Gwajima’s home in Salasala, Kinondoni District, found a group—believed to be church members—guarding the gate and screening visitors.

They were reportedly wary of unfamiliar individuals not linked to the church.