Zanzibar honours Karume, fallen heroes in prayers

ZANZIBAR: ZANZIBARIS on Wednesday began commemorating the 54th anniversary of the death of the Islands’ first President, Abeid Amani Karume, with leaders visiting various areas in Unguja and Pemba to offer prayers at the graves of national heroes and revolutionary figures.

The week-long commemoration, organised by the Office of the Second Vice-President, kicked off yesterday with simultaneous visits led by government officials and guided by religious leaders from the Office of the Mufti and the Office of the Chief Kadhi.

On the first day, prayers were held for the late Major General Abdalla Said Natepe in Mwachealale, former Chief Minister Brigadier General Ramadhan Haji Faki in Mkwajuni and Lieutenant Colonel Said Iddi Bavuai in Shakani.

The programme continues today with prayers for senior police officer Khamis Darwesh Mdingo and Colonel Seif Bakari Omar in Kiembe Samaki, as well as Pili Khamis Mpera in Kisiwandui and Said Washoto Mnyuke in Mndo.

Tomorrow, leaders will honour Sheikh Thabit Kombo in Chukwani, Hafidh Suleiman Almasi in Kinduni and Mohamed Abdalla Kaujore in Mwanakwerekwe. On April 4, prayers will be offered for former President Sheikh Idris Abdul Wakil in Makunduchi, former Union Vice-President Omar Ali Juma in Wawi, Pemba and retired Police Commissioner Eddington Herbert Kissassi in Mwanakwerekwe.

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On April 5, the commemorations will extend to Mangapwani, where prayers will be held for former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi and to Mtambwe, Pemba, for former First Vice-President Maalim Seif Sharif Hamad.

Prayers will also be conducted at Mtoni for Brigadier General Yussuf Himid Maftah. The final round of grave visits on April 6 will include prayers for former Zanzibar President Aboud Jumbe Mwinyi in Migombani and Hamid Ameir Ali in Donge.

The commemorations will culminate on April 7 at Kisiwandui, where President Hussein Mwinyi is expected to lead the nation in prayers for Karume and other fallen leaders. The site, where Karume is laid to rest, remains the focal point of the annual remembrance.