Pastor Detained in Manyara Over Alleged Election Boycott Incitement

Babati – Police in Manyara Region have detained a pastor from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Boay Parish in Babati District, over allegations of incitement.

Regional Police Commander Ahmed Makarani confirmed on Saturday, October 25, 2025, that Pastor Eleth Mtaita was arrested on Friday, October 24, 2025.

According to Makarani, the pastor is being questioned over claims that he incited his congregation not to participate in the forthcoming general election.

"The pastor has not been abducted; he is in police custody for questioning after being accused of inciting church members not to go out and vote," Makarani stated.

He further revealed that police are also searching for Sheikh Juma Silima from a mosque in the same Boay area, who is similarly accused of urging people not to vote on October 29, 2025.

Makarani cautioned religious leaders against engaging in politics, emphasising that churches and mosques should remain places of worship.

"Religious leaders should focus on matters of faith, not politics. Places of worship are not platforms for political mobilisation," he said.

Meanwhile, confusion erupted on social media late Friday night and early Saturday after reports surfaced claiming that Pastor Mtaita had been abducted from his home by armed, unidentified individuals.

It was alleged that armed men stormed the pastor’s residence, threatened his family, and forced him into a Toyota Land Cruiser with no registration plates before speeding away.

Manyara Regional Commissioner Queen Sendiga recently warned that the government would take stern measures against anyone inciting citizens to boycott voting in the general election.

"Anyone who discourages the public from turning out to vote will be violating the law and will face strict legal action," Sendiga said.