Chadema supporters raise money to refer Lissu to US for treatment

Tanzania opposition Chadema supporters in the diaspora are raising funds to airlift Tundu Lissu to the United States for specialised treatment following an assassination attempt in the capital Dodoma last week.

The Singida East MP and the party's chief whip was shot several times by unknown gunmen and is receiving treatment in Nairobi Hospital in Kenya.

Using a crowdfunding platform GoFundMe

(https://www.gofundme.com/Lissumedicalcare/donate), the Chadema supporters target to collect $50,000 to cover travel and treatment costs.

By 4.30pm Thursday, some $2,173 had been raised by 52 well-wishers.

Chadema secretary-general Vincent Mashinji is listed as a guarantor of the fundraiser.

"Your contribution will make it possible to transfer Lissu from Nairobi Hospital to United States of America for further medical care," a statement on the GoFundMe site reads.

Meanwhile, the party's chairman Freeman Mbowe, who is in Nairobi, told reporters on Thursday that Mr Lissu was still in critical but stable condition.

He was shot in his stomach, legs and arms.

Source: The East African