In the heart of Tanzania’s political arena, one name has long been a lightning rod for both admiration and controversy—Tundu Lissu. Once heralded as the voice of resistance and democracy, the CHADEMA candidate now finds himself at the center of a scandalous storm, raising serious doubts about his fitness to lead the country. With Tanzania gearing up for the next presidential election, Lissu’s past trauma, physical condition, and personal choices have thrust his candidacy into uncertainty.
On September 07, 2017, Tundu Lissu survived a brutal attack that almost killed him. The incident occurred on the premises of the Parliament residence in Dodoma, where Lissu was ambushed by unknown assailants who fired more than 30 bullets and 16 ripped most of his body parts.
Miraculously, he survived, but at a steep cost. One bullet remains lodged near his spine—a physical reminder of that fateful day. Doctors, after much deliberation, advised against removing it, fearing the operation would bring more complications, possibly leading to paralysis.
Lissu after surviving a brutal attack
While his survival made him a symbol of resilience, it left him battling invisible wounds—PTSD, which has worsened over the years. Behind the scenes, Lissu has reportedly struggled with the trauma, reliving the violent ambush in recurring flashbacks, panic attacks, and emotional outbursts.
His inability to manage stress has become an open secret in CHADEMA’s inner circles, and his close aides have expressed growing concern over his mental stability.
As the presidential election approaches, Lissu’s mental and emotional struggles are raising alarm bells: Can a man who is fighting demons from his past handle the monumental responsibility of leading a nation?
Lissu battling divorce after caught cheating
Adding fuel to the fire is a scandal that rocked the public’s perception of Lissu’s integrity. Photographs surfaced showing him in a passionate embrace, kissing a white woman in plain view of onlookers.
The images quickly went viral, sparking outrage not only among his supporters but also from his wife, who immediately filed for divorce. It was a betrayal that shook his family life to the core, and now, his divorce proceedings are playing out publicly, further damaging his image.
In a country where family values and moral leadership are highly regarded, Lissu’s indiscretions have raised serious questions about his judgment. If he can betray his family, how can Tanzanians trust him not to betray them as well?
Critics of Lissu have not hesitated to leverage his personal life as evidence of his unsuitability for office. They point to his infidelity as a sign of his moral weakness, asserting that he lacks the discipline and integrity necessary to serve as the country’s leader.
But the dangers of electing Lissu extend beyond his personal scandals. His PTSD, according to mental health professionals, poses a significant threat to national stability.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can lead to unpredictable emotional reactions, often triggered by high-stress situations. Lissu’s recent public appearances have been marked by signs of emotional instability.
“He’s simply not the same man anymore,” whispered one anonymous source close to the CHADEMA leadership. “The attack changed him. He’s fighting a battle in his head, and we don’t know if he can win it.”
For many Tanzanians, the possibility of having a president struggling with PTSD creates anxiety. In a world where political decisions can make or break a nation’s future, the thought of an emotionally volatile leader in command of military forces, sensitive diplomatic negotiations, and crucial economic decisions is deeply troubling
Would Lissu be able to make rational, sound decisions when under immense pressure, or would his trauma cloud his judgment?
Moreover, his unresolved physical condition adds another layer of concern. The bullet lodged near his spine, while stable for now, is a time bomb.
Medical experts caution that the bullet could shift or cause complications at any time, potentially leaving him incapacitated. Should he become president, the country could find itself with a leader suddenly sidelined by health issues, plunging Tanzania into uncertainty and chaos.
Tundu Lissu’s candidacy has also divided his own party. Some within CHADEMA argue that his bravery and survival make him the ideal figure to champion the democratic fight against CCM, while others privately acknowledge that his recent erratic behavior, coupled with his personal scandals, has become a distraction. What was once viewed as his strength—his survival story—is now being seen as a liability.
