This archive report was first published on 1 November 2019.
A Tanzanian cleric has been arrested and detained by the Mwanza Regional Commissioner, John Mongella, for claiming to be God.
Mongella has ordered the cleric, Zumaridi, to be taken to court as soon as possible.
On Thursday, October 31, 2019, Mongella stated during a meeting of the Mwanza Regional Advisory Committee that worship is a right of every individual, but the government is not yet ready to recognize a religion that unites and poses a threat to public safety.
"No organization claims that its leader is God, organizations have leaders but they pray to God, now this King Zumaridi I am very surprised." Mongella said.
Mongella explained that he made the statement to encourage Zumaridi's followers to come and discuss the issue with him.
"It is impossible for a religious leader to brainwash his followers and make them like zombies by going beyond them, this poses a threat to their lives." Mongella stated.
