Tanzania’s opposition politician Godbless Lema blocked from leaving the country

Dar es Salaam. Tanzanian opposition figure and former Arusha Urban MP Godbless Lema was stopped from leaving the country at the Namanga border earlier today, June 6, 2025, the Immigration Department has confirmed.

In an official statement, the department said Mr Lema was denied exit clearance as part of standard procedures applied when there are credible grounds requiring further verification.

"The measure taken is in line with routine immigration protocols. Mr Lema has been directed to report to Immigration Headquarters in Dodoma for further inquiry," the department noted.

The incident unfolded at the Namanga border crossing in Arusha Region as Mr Lema attempted to cross into Kenya. Authorities did not disclose the specific grounds prompting the action but maintained that the move was procedural and not politically motivated.

Amid growing speculation on social media, the department dismissed claims that the decision was linked to Mr Lema's political affiliation or his role in the opposition party Chadema.

"We urge the public to ignore misleading narratives suggesting political interference. This action concerns Mr Lema as an individual and is based on available information under review," the statement read.

Mr Lema has yet to issue an official response regarding the incident.