|
Anglican bishop laid to rest
2006-02-13 08:08:54
By Mwinyi Sadallah, Zanzibar
Retired President Benjamin Mkapa and President Amani Abeid Karume were yesterday among hundreds of mourners in Zanzibar at the funeral of the late Zanzibar Anglican Bishop, Douglas Mathew Toto (55).
The Bishop died last Thursday at his Kiungani residence after suffering from heart problems, just three kilometres from Zanzibar Stone town.
Mkapa arrived in the Isles yesterday morning and went straight to the Mkunazini Cathedral in Zanzibar Stone town to pay his last respect to the late Toto.
Later the late Bishop Toto was buried at the Mkunazini Cathedral grounds at 12.40pm and the last rites were led by Tanzania Anglican Archbishop, Donald Mtetemelwa.
Other national leaders who attended the funeral of the late bishop Toto were isles Chief Minister, Shamsi Vuai Nahodha and a number of cabinet ministers.
The Inspector General of Police, Iddi Omar Mahita, who is currently at loggerheads with the main opposition Civic United Front (CUF) over the increase of armed robberies in the Country also attended the funeral.
CCM Deputy Secretary General for Zanzibar, Ramadhan Saleh Feruzi, NLD Deputy Secretary General, Rashid Ahmed Rashid and CHAUSTA vice chairman, Nassor Khamis also attended the ceremony.
The last respects to the body were paid at his Kiungani residence from 6.00 am to 8.00 am. Later, the body was taken to the Zanzibar Mkunazini Anglican Cathedral for final prayers and burial.
The Zanzibar Diocese Secretary General, Nuhu Justin Saranya said the death of the late bishop was a big blow to the people of Zanzibar.
The late Bishop was also in frontline in the promotion of the Human rights and Good governance in the isles, he said.
Ealier, President Jakaya Kikwete had visited the family of the late Toto to console them and called on them to remain calm.
TADEA Planning Secretary, Juma Ali Khatibu said Toto was a man of the people who played a big role not only in the church but also in the reconciliation of CUF and CCM.
Bishop Toto took over the post in 2003 after the first Zanzibari Bishop John Ramadhan, retired.
|
