Dodoma. Amani Bale, the Shekina Choir Master of the Tanzania Assemblies of God (TAG) Church in Area D here, has shared touching memories of six-year-old Graison Kanyenye and his remarkable participation in the children’s choir.
The son of prominent businesswoman Zainab Shaban, Graison tragically lost his life on the night of December 25, 2024, at the home of Hamis Mpeta, a Fisheries Officer in Mtera, Ilazo in Dodoma.
Dodoma Regional Police Commander (RPC), George Katabazi reported that around 1.00am on December 25, 2024, Mr Mpeta and the child’s mother, Zainab, discovered Graison’s body upon returning from an outing. The child had been brutally murdered.
“They found the boy had been struck with a heavy object on the head, and his neck was slashed with a sharp object. The mother had left the boy in the care of a bodaboda (motorcycle taxi) rider named Kelvin Gilbert,” said RPC Katabazi.
He explained that Ms Shaban and Mr Mpeta had left the child with Kelvin at around 6pm at Mr Mpeta’s home.
However, upon their return, they found the child dead, and the bodaboda rider had fled the scene.
Speaking on Friday, December 27, 2024, to The Citizen’s sister paper, Mwananchi, Mr Bale described Graison as a child loved by the congregation, teachers, and his peers.
“Grayson’s calm demeanor endeared him to everyone. Whenever other children provoked him, he would calmly report the matter to his teachers rather than retaliate,” the choir master said.
He added that Graison had a unique ability to grasp lessons and would have become an exceptional singer had he continued training.
Mr Bale fondly recalled Graison’s performance during the last Saturday choir practice on December 21, 2024.
Grayson was the only child among 150 choir members allowed to hold the microphone due to his mastery of the lessons.
During Sunday’s service on December 22, Graison’s solo performance stood out.
“When he arrived at church, he eagerly took the microphone and moved to the left side of the altar, ready to sing. He performed exceptionally well, making us all proud,” recounted Mr Bale.
He advised parents to prioritise taking their children to church to instill moral values that align with God’s teachings.
“Parents often emphasise regular schooling but should also ensure their children are taught to pray, help others, and share God’s word. Proper spiritual upbringing is essential for shaping children’s character,” he said.
Graison’s journey in the choir began last year, attending Saturday rehearsals from 9am to 12pm and Sunday services. His mother arranged for a bodaboda rider to take him to and from church.
“We are deeply pained by this loss. Graison will remain in our hearts for a long time. I’m unsure if we can resume choir practice tomorrow (Saturday, December 28) without being overwhelmed by tears,” Mr Bale said.
Meanwhile, the pastor’s wife at TAG Area D, Ms Rehema Pangasi, described Graison as an active and beloved member of the Shekina Choir.
“Even last Saturday (December 20), he attended choir practice. On Sunday, he sang beautifully, and I felt compelled to record a video of him. Little did I know it would be my last memory of him singing,” she said.
Ms Pangasi added that during the practice, she offered to take Graison home, but he declined, saying his mother had arranged for a bodaboda to pick him up.
On Christmas Day, the church searched for him in vain before receiving the devastating news of his death.
