By Jackline Opiyo
The Chairperson of the Commission of Inquiry into violence surrounding the October 29, 2025 General Election and its aftermath in Tanzania , retired Chief Justice Mohammed Chande Othman, has outlined four reasons for the 21-day extension of the commission’s mandate.
Justice Othman has said the additional time was necessitated by the scale and complexity of the task, delayed submission of key evidence, and the requirement to produce the final report in both Kiswahili and English.
“First, more evidence is still being submitted; second, we are receiving expert advice from scientific specialists we consulted; third, there is a need for in-depth analysis; and fourth, to ensure the report is available in both Kiswahili and English,” he said, while speaking to journalists in Dare salaam.
Justice Othman also noted that although the commission had initially planned to conduct investigations in six regions, it has since expanded its scope to 12 regions to gather comprehensive information.
Justice Chande further clarified that the Commission is independent, operates with professionalism, and faces no interference in its duties, adding that no one can dictate to them what to write or what to leave out.
