Kenyan politician and lawyer Martha Karua has called on Tanzanian authorities to release opposition leader Tundu Lissu from detention following the death of his elder brother, Alute Lissu Mughwai, saying he should be allowed to mourn with his family.
Karua expressed sympathy to Lissu and his relatives after Alute, a lawyer, died in Arusha on Sunday, November 1, 2026, following a prolonged illness.
In a statement shared on X on Monday, November 2, Karua said the death was particularly painful because Lissu remained in detention and could not freely stand with his family during the mourning period.
The former Justice Minister also recalled meeting Alute during a visit to Tanzania in April 2025, describing the encounter as a personal connection that made his death especially close to her heart.
“This personal encounter makes his passing particularly close to my heart,” Karua said.
She called on Tanzanian authorities to allow Lissu to leave prison and join his relatives as they prepare to bury his brother.
Karua says Lissu should be allowed to mourn his brother
Karua described the circumstances surrounding Alute’s death as difficult for the family, particularly because Lissu was unable to be with his relatives after receiving the news.
She also praised the CHADEMA national chairman for his involvement in the campaign for political freedom, justice and democracy in Tanzania.
“Tundu Lissu has been at the forefront of this struggle—standing firmly for the rights of his people and the democratic future of our region,” she said.
Karua argued that Lissu should not be prevented from grieving with his family while facing a serious criminal case.
“It is profoundly painful that a man who has given so much to the struggle for freedom must now face such a personal loss without the freedom to grieve as he should,” she added.
She pledged to continue supporting the detained opposition leader and calling for his release.
“We will continue to stand with Tundu and to demand his release. He ought to be free to mourn his brother, to stand with his family in this hour of grief, and to continue the struggle for a more just, free and democratic East Africa,” Karua stated.
Tundu Lissu’s family postpones burial ahead of court judgment
Alute Lissu Mughwai died at approximately 2am on Sunday, November 1, while receiving treatment at a hospital in Arusha.
According to family members, he had been unwell for a prolonged period before his condition deteriorated.
His younger brother, Vincent Lissu, described him as an important figure in the family and a role model, particularly to Tundu.
Alute was also an advocate who had appeared in court in connection with his younger brother’s legal proceedings.
The family has postponed his burial arrangements to allow relatives to attend the judgment in Tundu Lissu’s treason case.
The burial is expected to take place at Mahambe Village in Ikungi District, Singida Region, after the family attends the court proceedings in Dar es Salaam.
Relatives have indicated that further funeral arrangements will be communicated after the judgment.
Tundu Lissu awaits judgment in Tanzania treason case
Lissu, who chairs Tanzania’s main opposition party CHADEMA, has been in detention since his arrest on April 9, 2025.
He faces a treason charge linked to statements he allegedly made during the campaign for electoral reforms ahead of Tanzania’s 2025 General Election.
The prosecution accused him of making statements intended to encourage disruption of the election, allegations he has contested.
The trial concluded in September 2026 after both the prosecution and defence presented their final submissions.
The High Court in Dar es Salaam is scheduled to deliver its judgment on Friday, November 6, 2026.
The family has therefore arranged to attend the court proceedings before proceeding with Alute’s burial plans.
Karua’s previous involvement in Lissu’s legal case
Karua’s latest appeal comes after her earlier involvement in efforts to observe Lissu’s court proceedings in Tanzania.
In May 2025, she and two other Kenyan lawyers were detained at Julius Nyerere International Airport in Dar es Salaam before being deported.
The delegation had travelled to Tanzania to observe proceedings involving Lissu, but the authorities prevented them from entering the country.
The incident attracted attention from legal and political figures in Kenya and Tanzania, raising concerns about the treatment of visiting lawyers and observers.
Karua has continued to speak publicly about Lissu’s detention and the wider questions surrounding political rights and democratic freedoms in the region.
Her latest statement has renewed attention on the opposition leader’s detention at a time when his family is dealing with the death of a close relative.
As the November 6 judgment approaches, the family faces the difficult task of preparing for both the court proceedings and the burial of Alute Lissu Mughwai.
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