Whereabouts of fiery cleric a mystery

The leader of Islamic Revival Forum, Sheikh Farid Hadi Ahmed

Riots ensued in Zanzibar yesterday afternoon following the alleged mysterious disappearance of Sheikh Farid Hadi, a leader of the Islamic Revival Forum popularly known as “Uamsho”. The riots led to theft, destruction of property including shops, bars and even the burning of some of Chama Cha Mapinduzi gathering venues.

Rumours had it that police are holding the cleric but Police in Zanzibar refuted reports that he has been arrested and was in custody.

Uamsho followers started gathering at the Mbuyuni Mosque on Malindi Street, where discussions proceeded on the reports of the suspected disappearance of their leader. The peaceful talks soon became violent with chaos erupting on Darajani Street with an angry mob throwing stones and burning tyres.

The situation took a turn for the worse with the mob blocking roads with boulders and burning tyres. Some of the worst hit streets were Malandege, Michezani, Kijangwani, Bizeredi Darajani and Amani Darajabovu.

It is at Michenzani Street where a group in black hoods invaded two CCM convening stations including the one in Kisonge and set them on fire.

Police Commissioner in Zanzibar Mussa Ali Mussa said police were not involved in the disappearance of Sheikh Hadi, adding that investigations were well underway as to his whereabouts.

The Secretary of the Islamic Revival Forum, Said Abdalla Ali had no comments to make because, in his words, he was out of Unguja at the time.

Among the victims of the chaos included students and teachers, who were returning from their national examinations.

Chaos also emerged at Mkunazini police station where a group of people went on rampage, throwing stones and forcing police personnel to vacate the station to save their lives from the angry mob and arsonists.

The chaos paralysed traffic and business activities and the amount lost in the wreckage, vandalism and from lack of normal day to day trade activities is feared to be millions of shillings