Over the years Lissu has built a reputation as a prominent lawyer, fierce opposition figure and outspoken government critic, especially with his repeated confrontations with the government in President Magufuli's tenure in the country.[3][4] Lissu was responsible for the research and preparation of the document that revealed the involvement of the state's high ranking officials in plundering of public funds, famously known as the LIST OF SHAME. The fierce lawmaker has been arrested at least six times in 2017 alone, accused of insulting the president[5][6] and disturbing public order, among other charges. On 23 August 2017 his home was searched by the police after he was arrested and questioned over allegations of sedition and insulting President John Magufuli, calling him a 'petty dictator'.[7] His arrest came [8] after he revealed to the public[9] that a plane bought for the national carrier had been impounded in Canada over unpaid government debts[10][11]
In the afternoon of September 7 2017 during a parliamentary session break, Tundu Lissu, whilst in his car, was shot multiple times and seriously injured by unknown assailants in the parking lot of his parliamentary residence in Area D, Dodoma.[12] This happened merely weeks after Lissu declared publicly that certain people instructed by IGP Sirro and the Head of National Intelligence unit Mr Kipilimba, had been stalking him for weeks.[13] [14] [15]
Tundu Lissu received emergency treatment for some hours at Dodoma General Hospital[16] before, in fear of his safety, was air-lifted to Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya[17] where he was hospitalized for months [18][19] before being flown to Belgium to undergo further treatment and rehabilitation [20]. He was hospitalized at the Leuven University Hospital in Gasthuisberg[21], where he has reportedly undergone nineteen (19) operations to date.[22] Until today, it is still uncertain when Lissu will return home; his brother and family spokesman, advocate Alute Mughwai added that the family would prefer his young brother to stay in Belgium for treatment until he fully recovers.[23]
Lissu in Kibaigwa, Dodoma
Lissu in Kibaigwa, Dodoma during 2015 General Elections Campaign.
With his preceding political stance, the recurring arrests plus the recent attack on Lissu[24] have been condemned as 'cowardly', 'heinous' and 'an attack on democracy'[25] by political,[26] human rights[27][28][29][30] and religious[31][32] organizations. Lissu's party officials openly addressed their concerns to the public and to President Magufuli, who is also Chairman of the nation's ruling party CCM, that the attempt on Lissu's life was politically motivated[33] and just another retaliation on the lawmaker's repeated run-ins with the government. While President Magufuli said on Twitter that he was 'shocked' and 'saddened' by the shooting and was praying for Lissu's 'quick recovery',[34] a number of Tanzanian politicians have aired their comments on the attack,[35][36] with CHADEMA Chairman Freeman Mbowe and opposition figure Zitto Kabwe hinting on the necessity of having a foreign body man the investigation on the brutal attack.[37]
Tundu Lissu is with wife Alicia in Belgium, where he is undergoing treatment and rehabilitation.
On 27 July 2020, Lissu returned to Tanzania after three years in exile.[38] He will challenge Magufuli for president in the 2020 Tanzanian general election.[39] He was chosen as CHADEMA's presidential candidate on 3 August.[40]
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