Speaking during an interview on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Manyora argued that even without interference, President Suluhu would still have emerged victorious.
He said Lissu’s popularity was not enough to threaten the strength and historical influence of CCM, a party that has ruled Tanzania since independence.
According to Manyora, the decision by President Suluhu to detain Lissu and prevent him from contesting was unnecessary and politically costly.
According to Manyora, the decision by President Suluhu to detain Lissu and prevent him from contesting was unnecessary and politically costly.
He said such actions had not only damaged her personal image but also weakened the credibility of CCM, which for decades was viewed as a symbol of stability and continuity in the region.
“Even in a free and fair election, Tundu Lissu would not have defeated Samia Suluhu,” Manyora said.
“Even in a free and fair election, Tundu Lissu would not have defeated Samia Suluhu,” Manyora said.
“By imprisoning him, she made a mistake that has opened CCM to unnecessary criticism.”
The analyst noted that CCM’s reputation had long been built on the idea of invincibility — a belief that it could not be defeated.
The analyst noted that CCM’s reputation had long been built on the idea of invincibility — a belief that it could not be defeated.
He compared the party’s dominance to major institutions like the University of Nairobi or the Nairobi Hospital, where public trust remains strong despite internal challenges.
However, he warned that once a political institution’s integrity is questioned, it becomes difficult to restore public confidence.
“Strong political institutions depend on perception,” Manyora explained. “When people begin to doubt their fairness or honesty, that doubt can linger for years.”
Manyora said that by mishandling Lissu’s situation, President Suluhu may have unintentionally planted the seed of decline within CCM.
“Strong political institutions depend on perception,” Manyora explained. “When people begin to doubt their fairness or honesty, that doubt can linger for years.”
Manyora said that by mishandling Lissu’s situation, President Suluhu may have unintentionally planted the seed of decline within CCM.
He described the current political atmosphere in Tanzania as one of uncertainty, suggesting that the party’s once-unshakeable control might slowly fade unless it takes bold steps to rebuild trust with the people.
He further cautioned that President Suluhu’s administration could face more political instability if reforms are not introduced to guarantee openness in future elections.
He further cautioned that President Suluhu’s administration could face more political instability if reforms are not introduced to guarantee openness in future elections.
“If Tanzania does not correct its current political mistakes, it risks sliding back to an era of tension and repression,” he warned.
The analyst also predicted that President Suluhu’s leadership could face internal resistance within CCM, especially if the party’s image continues to suffer.
The analyst also predicted that President Suluhu’s leadership could face internal resistance within CCM, especially if the party’s image continues to suffer.
He said that while Suluhu’s presidency began with high expectations, her handling of opposition figures might shorten her political lifespan.
“Samia Suluhu may have put the last nail in CCM’s coffin,” Manyora said, adding that restoring the party’s former glory could take decades.
“Samia Suluhu may have put the last nail in CCM’s coffin,” Manyora said, adding that restoring the party’s former glory could take decades.
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