Mbeya, Tanzania — Police in Mbeya Region have detained Mr Award Karonga, the Secretary of the opposition party Chadema in Rungwe District, over alleged criminal offences including incitement.
Mr Karonga, who also serves as the Deputy National Chairperson of Chadema’s youth wing, was arrested in the early hours of Friday, January 30, 2026, in Katumba area, Ibighi–Tukuyu Ward, Rungwe District.
Confirming the arrest, Mbeya Regional Police Commander Benjamin Kuzaga said Mr Karonga was apprehended at around 4:00 a.m. and is being held as investigations continue.
“The suspect was arrested in Katumba. Investigations are ongoing and will guide the next legal steps,” the police statement said.
In a separate statement, police said Mr Karonga, a resident of Katumba, was arrested on January 29 and is facing multiple charges, including incitement. Authorities said investigations are being finalised to allow for legal proceedings.
Reacting to the arrest, Chadema Mbeya Regional Secretary Hamad Mbeyale said the party had been informed of the detention and criticised what he described as a pattern of arbitrary arrests targeting opposition leaders.
“After his arrest, police conducted a search at his home in Tukuyu before taking him to the central police station. His family members, relatives, friends, and party officials are closely monitoring the situation,” Mr Mbeyale said.
He added that party officials had met Mr Karonga but had not yet been formally informed of the specific reasons for his detention.
“We strongly condemn these repeated arrests of our leaders. It should be noted that he is a national leader within the party’s youth wing,” Mr Mbeyale said.
