MBEYA, TANZANIA – High Court Advocates Hekima Mwasipu and Philip Mwakilima have filed an urgent legal application in the nature of Habeas Corpus at the Mbeya Sub-Registry, demanding the immediate release or production in court of social media activist and nursery school teacher, Clemence Kenan Mwandambo.
Mwandambo, known for his social critiques and the popular phrase "Nachoka Mimi mzee wenu Mwandambo," has been in police custody since December 29, 2025, without being charged or granted bail.
Allegations of Illegal Detention
According to the court documents filed on January 9, 2026, the lawyers argue that Mwandambo's continued detention is "illegal and highly prejudicial" to his constitutional rights. The "Certificate of Urgency" accompanying the application highlights that the activist has been held well beyond the statutory 48-hour limit.
The legal team further alleges that the police have denied Mwandambo access to both his legal counsel and his family members. The applicant's wife and children, for whom he is the sole provider, have reportedly been unable to see him since his arrest.
Background of the Arrest
The affidavit sworn by Advocate Philip Mwakilima reveals that Mwandambo was initially arrested in November 2025 on allegations of 'disseminating false information'. While he was released on Police bail following that incident, he was detained again on December 29 when he arrived at the Mbeya Central Police Station to fulfill his reporting conditions.
The defense states that when they sought bail for their client, Police officials at the Mbeya Central Police Station allegedly labeled Mwandambo as "stubborn" and claimed he was "hard to understand" regarding police instructions. Furthermore, local officials reportedly told the advocates that they were acting under the direct orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requiring the IGP's permission for any visitation.
Legal Demands
The application names five respondents:
The case is currently awaiting a hearing date before a High Court judge in Mbeya.
Mwandambo, known for his social critiques and the popular phrase "Nachoka Mimi mzee wenu Mwandambo," has been in police custody since December 29, 2025, without being charged or granted bail.
Allegations of Illegal Detention
According to the court documents filed on January 9, 2026, the lawyers argue that Mwandambo's continued detention is "illegal and highly prejudicial" to his constitutional rights. The "Certificate of Urgency" accompanying the application highlights that the activist has been held well beyond the statutory 48-hour limit.
The legal team further alleges that the police have denied Mwandambo access to both his legal counsel and his family members. The applicant's wife and children, for whom he is the sole provider, have reportedly been unable to see him since his arrest.
Background of the Arrest
The affidavit sworn by Advocate Philip Mwakilima reveals that Mwandambo was initially arrested in November 2025 on allegations of 'disseminating false information'. While he was released on Police bail following that incident, he was detained again on December 29 when he arrived at the Mbeya Central Police Station to fulfill his reporting conditions.
The defense states that when they sought bail for their client, Police officials at the Mbeya Central Police Station allegedly labeled Mwandambo as "stubborn" and claimed he was "hard to understand" regarding police instructions. Furthermore, local officials reportedly told the advocates that they were acting under the direct orders of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), requiring the IGP's permission for any visitation.
Legal Demands
The application names five respondents:
- The Inspector General of Police (IGP)
- The Regional Police Commander (RPC) for Mbeya
- The Officer Commanding District (OCD) for Mbeya Urban
- The Officer Commanding Police Station (OCS) for Mbeya Central
- The Director of Public Prosecution (DPP)
The case is currently awaiting a hearing date before a High Court judge in Mbeya.
