Tanzania’s firebrand opposition Chief Whip Tundu Lissu was Thursday shot inside his car near his home in the central city of Dodoma.

The incident happened as Mr Lissu was leaving his Area D residence for Parliament, to attend the afternoon session.

Reports said Mr Lissu was hit by an unknown assailants who fired several bullets into his car.

The opposition Chadema Party leader in parliament, Mr Freeman Mbowe, said Mr Lissu was in a critical condition.

“Efforts to save his life are going on in Dodoma regional hospital,” Mr Mbowe said.

Political remarks

The outspoken Chief Whip has previously been arrested about nine times, accused of unsavoury political remarks, mostly against President John Magufuli and the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) government.

Mr Lissu, also the current President of the Tanzania Law Society (TSL), has distinguished himself as the opposition leader in the House.

He has consistently criticised the government, claiming it had failed to grow the economy and improve the welfare of Tanzanians.

READ: Tanzania's Tundu Lissu charged with 'abusing' president

He stood firm

The opposition legislator has also blamed the government for failure to create employment.

His criticisms have occasioned him several arrests by the police and he was currently facing at least 12 political cases in court.

The Singida East MP has been quoted saying he never feared for his life as he stood firm criticising the CCM government through the media and other platforms.

Mr Lissu was elected TLS president in a contest in which the government had a preferred candidate.

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