Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya
He was shot dead by security forces while reporting on demonstrations.
On 29 October 2025, while covering post-election demonstrations in Mbeya, Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya was fatally shot by Tanzanian security forces. Reports indicate that demonstrations escalated into violence when security forces responded with live ammunition against crowds. As a journalist performing his professional duties, Kelvin was struck and killed by gunfire during these clashes. His death highlights the dangers faced by journalists working in conflict and protest situations, especially amid heightened political tensions and a crackdown on press freedom.
Biography
Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya was a Tanzanian journalist working as a reporter for Baraka FM radio station in Mbeya, in southwestern Tanzania. He covered post-election demonstrations following the country’s 2025 general election. On 29 October 2025, while performing his professional duties reporting on protests and the response of security forces, he was shot dead by security forces, becoming one of the journalists killed amid a wider crackdown on demonstrators and media. His death drew international condemnation from press freedom advocates and global organisations.
Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya was a dedicated radio journalist with Baraka FM, a local broadcaster in Mbeya, reporting on current events and issues affecting his local community. In late October 2025, Tanzania held general elections amid accusations of irregularities and limited participation by opposition parties, prompting nationwide protests. As demonstrators took to the streets of Mbeya and other cities on 29 October 2025, Kelvin was on assignment documenting the unfolding events when security forces confronted crowds.
During the protests, Tanzanian security forces used live ammunition and lethal force against demonstrators, including journalists on the ground. In the course of his reporting duties, Kelvin was shot dead by security forces. His death occurred against a backdrop of widespread violence, arrests, and information suppression, including an internet blackout imposed during the unrest.
His killing was publicly condemned by international media freedom organisations and the Director-General of UNESCO, who called for an independent investigation into his death and accountability for those responsible.
Sources & References
Journalist killed while covering post-election demonstrations1 ifj.org Open source
UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of journalist Kelvin Lameck Mwakangondya in Tanzania2 unesco.org Open source