Tanzanian authorities launch probe into abuse of Arusha Muslim Union’s assets

Arusha. The Registration, Insolvency and Trusteeship Agency (Rita) has formed a team that will probe allegations of theft and misuse of properties belonging to the Arusha Muslims Union.

The team has been given a two-week’ deadline to complete the assignment.

According to Rita’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Frank Kanyusi, the authority has also formed another committee that has been tasked with reviewing the union’s constitution and ensuring that only meriting leaders are elected to manage the union within 60 days,.

“The interim committee has been tasked with reviewing the Union’s constitution and ensuring competent and God-fearing leaders are elected within 60 days and that the probe team completes its work and submits a report to RITA within 14 days,” Mr Kanyusi told members of the Union in Arusha over the weekend.

Also in attendance at the meeting were the Arusha District Administrative Secretary (DAS), Mr Khamana Simba, regional leaders for the National Muslims’ Council of Tanzania and outgoing leaders of the union.

“I have directed the outgoing Board of Trustees to prepare a report of income and expenses,” he said.

Mr Kanyusi clarified to the members of the interim committee tasked with overseeing and safeguarding the union's properties that they are not owners, but merely stewards of the properties.

Mr Simba advised members of the Arusha Muslim Union to remain calm and united as the government, through RITA, works to resolve the issue and ensure a lasting consensus is reached.

On the other hand, the Union members, Mr Mustapha Mohamedi and Mr Kassim Collins, congratulated the government for intervening in the conflict, saying stern and legal actions should be taken against all culprits to serve as a lesson for the coming new leaders.

Meanwhile, Rita's Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Irene Kesulie, reassured union members that every aspect would be thoroughly addressed and advised them to adhere to the established procedures.

The formation of the probe team comes barely two weeks after a similar exercise, which was conducted for the Ijumaa Mosque [Msikiti wa Ijumaa] in Mwanza, revealed that at least Sh1 billion of the funds that belonged to the religious body have been misappropriated.

Mr Kanyusi promised to take legal action against those involved in the misappropriation of the funds.