Tanzanian police have arrested a man for circulating posts saying that President John Magufuli is in ill health.
Magufuli has not been seen in public for two weeks, sparking unconfirmed reports from opposition leaders that he is unwell.
The news circulating on social media alleged that Magufuli had been hospitalised in Nairobi after he allegedly contracted coronavirus.
Prime Minister Hassan Majaliwa has denied that Magufuli is unwell or battling Covid-19.
The Constitutional affairs minister said Tanzanians who are posting on social media that the president is incapacitated are violating the country’s cybercrime law.
Magufuli’s absence is unusual as he is known for frequent public speeches and appearances on state television several times a week.
