Dar es Salaam. Former Tanzanian Ambassador to Cuba, Humphrey Polepole, has responded to a police summons following online allegations, commending the Police Force for initiating an investigation.
However, he expressed concern that authorities might have ill intentions, saying that, like the Judiciary, which has gone online, detailed information about his remarks could also be accessed through digital communications.
"Despite the summons, the authorities might have ill intentions that could lead to my arrest and release disappearing from the public view," the former envoy alleged.
But, Police Spokesperson Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) David Misime dismissed such fears on Friday, September 19, 2025, emphasising that the summons was issued publicly.
"Does it make sense for someone with ill intent to make a public announcement like ours? The country and the world are aware of our statement," he said.
Regarding whether advances in science and technology allow the police to collect information for investigations digitally, Mr Misime added:
"Mr Polepole was a lawmaker in the United Republic of Tanzania Parliament; he should tell us when the laws were amended to permit online information gathering during criminal investigations."
Police summons
The summons, issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), requests Polepole’s physical appearance to provide evidence supporting his allegations.
The DCI opened the investigation file on September 15, 2025, noting that his online statements could amount to a criminal offence.
"The allegations he has made, and continues to make, indicate a possible criminal offence. Under the law, evidence is required to substantiate such claims in court," said Mr Misime.
He added that police had tried to contact Mr Polepole to enable him to provide evidence or information that could support further legal action.
Mr Polepole, who previously served as Secretary for Ideology, Propaganda, and Training of the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), has been directed to report to the DCI to assist with the investigation.
Polepole’s response
Mr Polepole described the summons as both encouraging and suspicious.
"It is a positive sign that the Police are taking the matter seriously and formally requesting evidence. But there is doubt over why they have not contacted me directly," he said, questioning why unofficial channels were used and noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation could have provided his contact information.
He also alleged that after his resignation, armed individuals loitered near his home in Masaki and harassed his family.
He claimed his residence had been raided twice previously, with statements taken but no progress made in investigations.
"If the Police want to speak to me, it should be done publicly, not through covert means," he added.
Mr Polepole resigned from his ambassadorship in Cuba on July 13, 2025, citing an inability to serve under leadership he described as unmotivated and lacking adherence to constitutional principles, justice, ethics, integrity, and accountability.
Since then, he has made various allegations against government institutions and officials.
On August 5, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and East African Cooperation confirmed that President Samia Suluhu Hassan had revoked Polepole’s appointment and removed his diplomatic status, exercising powers under the Tanzanian Constitution.
