A controversial pastor in Tanzania Mfalme Zumaridi has come up with a new story about the death of former Kiswahili film star Steven Kanumba, a few weeks after the charges against her were dismissed.
In one of the videos in which the female pastor was seen preaching, she is heard clearly saying again with a joke that she will resurrect Kanumba and bring him back to life.
“Mkimuona Steven Charles Kanumba, akitokea hivi, msishangae. Nimetangulia kuongea kweney vyombo vya habari. (If you see Steven Charles Kanumba, appearing like this, don’t be surprised. I have spoken to the media first.)” Mflame Zumaridi said while the crowd of her followers cheered with the response of “Amen!”
The video caused an uproar on the internet, some saying that Zumaridi is increasingly seeking fame by tricking people’s minds into believing that she is a human being with extraordinary abilities in doing things.
Kanumba’s mother, Ms. Flora Kanumba, bitterly criticized the remarks, being saddened that the pastor could go as far as to chase clout using the death of her son – something she said hurts her even more because people do not want to let Kanumba rest in peace, 11 years since his death.
“Tangu ameondoka hajawahi rudi, hata mitume na manabii waliokufa hawajawahi kurudi. Ina maana wewe unaye. Unaniumiza, tafuta kiki ingine, usitafute kiki na mwanangu mimi ndio ninaumia. Walisema Kanumba ni Freemason nikanyamaza, leo hii wameibuka na hili.
(Since he left he has never returned, even the dead apostles and prophets have never returned. It means you have him. You are hurting me, look for someone else, don’t look for someone with my son, I am the one who is hurting. They said Kanumba is a Freemason, I kept quiet, today they have come up with this),” Kanumba’s mother said as she was overcome with emotion.
She challenged the preacher to resurrect others including late president John Magufuli.
Kanumba’s mother gave Zumaridi 7 day ultimatum to raise her son, otherwise the law will take its course. She also asked the government to help him control people who make statements like this that evoke feelings of pain at the loss of his son who was his support.
