Bishop Shoo tells leaders to be humble as Mengi is laid to rest

Dar es Salaam. The head of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT), Dr Bishop Fredrick Shoo, yesterday sent a strong message to people of authority in the country during which he also reconciled politicians with opposing views at the funeral of former IPP Group executive chairman Reginald Mengi in Moshi.

In his sermon, Dr Shoo reflected on a passage from the Gospel by Matthews 25:31-38 which speaks about the parable of the sheep and goats in relation to how Jesus (referred to as the Shepherd) will separate the sheep (the righteous) from goats (the wicked).

He said since the death of Mr Mengi, Tanzanians have given witnesses how the tycoon touched lives of many during his lifetime.

He said it was evident that despite being rich, Mr Mengi remained humble mixing with people from all walks.

“This is why I’m warning people who have been entrusted with authority, and especially young leaders, against being arrogant. You should humble yourself and treat everyone with respect. Help the poor because there are more blessings in giving. Stop being big-headed. Stop acting like you will live forever. Mengi was rich, but he remained humble,” he said.

Throughout his life, said Dr Shoo in the event that was live broadcast from Moshi, Mr Mengi was never afraid of speaking and defending the truth.

“It has reached a point whereby Tanzanians are afraid of saying the truth even if they know it. As leaders, we need to work towards uniting people,” he said, castigating those that use their positions to abuse other people.

Dr Shoo asked Tanzanians to refrain from the tendency of judging others for it is God’s job to judge.

“When the news about Mengi’s death broke, we read a lot on social media but the truth is that on October 19, in 2014, Dr Mengi and Jacqueline [the widow] returned to the Church and had their marriage blessed at his home village. You are just like any other human being. Stop judging others,” he said.

Mbowe on tribal sentiments

Earlier, the leader of Opposition in Parliament, and Chadema chairman Freeman Mbowe, castigated a tendency by some leaders of making utterances that can divide the nation along tribal lines.

In apparent reference to what Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner Paul Makonda, said when city residents paid their last respects to Mr Mengi on Tuesday, Mr Mbowe said the utterance was unfortunate. Speaking during the event, Mr Makonda described Mr Mengi as a most generous man from the Chagga community who would easily, and at will, help the needy, including people with disabilities.

But that seemed not to have gone down well with Mr Mbowe who said yesterday that the utterance was unfortunate and a deliberate move to portray certain tribes in the negative way.

Bashiru: Forgive Makonda

At the end of his sermon, Dr Shoo said that two more people would speak.

The two were CCM Secretary General Bashiru Ally and National Assembly Speaker Job Ndugai.

Dr Ally asked the congregation to forgive Mr Makonda for what he had uttered in Dar es Salaam.

“This is the second time that I’m asking for forgiveness on his behalf. The first time was in Simiyu and he came to my office crying. He is a good man and he is improving as time goes,” he said.

Makonda speaks

At that point, Dr Shoo invited Mr Makonda to the pulpit so he could speak his mind.

Uncertain of what to do, Mr Makonda stood in front of Church and after being told what to do, he asked: “Why?”

But Dr Shoo intervened and invited Mr Mbowe to join them saying the altar before them was meant for reconciliation.

Speaking before shaking hands with Mr Mbowe, Mr Makonda said it was possible his utterance was given a different interpretation and for that he asked for forgiveness.

“I thank my brother, Freeman Mbowe for saying what he said. He could have chosen not to if he so decided to. The interpretation of what I said could be a problem. I praised a Chagga amongst the Chagga,” he said before he shook hands with Mr Mbowe and climbed down to take his seat.