The former MP on his part told reporters that he fled his country on learning that there was a plot to assassinate him.

“I could not take such reports jokingly because I have lost a lot of friends and others are still missing. I knew they will kill me and that is why I fled with my wife and three children who are already in Nairobi,” he said, “let it be known that I am not fleeing hunger from my country. I am also not looking for a job. I am running to save my life.”

There has been a crackdown on Opposition leaders since President John Magufuli won the second term, trouncing his challenger Tundu Lissu who accused him of vote rigging.