Tanzanian priest Charles Kitima - and government critic - brutally attacked

The attack on a Catholic priest comes amid rising political tensions ahead of October's elections.

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Fr Charles Kitima, who had attended an all-day religious meeting, was ambushed by two people at night in a canteen restroom near his residence in Dar es Salaam.

According to the police, he was hit on the head with a blunt object and was later admitted to hospital, where he is in a stable condition.

Eyewitnesses said Fr Kitima had been seen talking to several people before the attack, and was later found bleeding and calling for help, moments after individuals were seen fleeing the scene.

The police say they have detained a suspect, while investigations continue.