OBITUARIES

HON. ROBERT STANLEY MATANO, EGH, MP

Robert Matano, a veteran politician died on March 10, 2008.
Born 83 years ago, in 1925 he attended Mazeras school, CMS school in Kaloleni, Kaaga high school in Meru and Alliance high school between 1936 and 1945. He graduated with a Diploma in Education from Makerere University in 1948 to start his teaching career at Ribe Boys Junior Secondary School and later at Alliance High School. He was then promoted to District Education Officer in charge of Mombasa and Kwale districts.
Matano joined politics in 1960s and became KANU’s secretary General in 1969 after the death of Tom Mboya. In 1960 he became the Kinango MP from 1961 to 1988.

He was Kinango MP for 25 years and served as a cabinet minister in both Kenyatta and Moi governments. Matano was enticed into politics in 1960 by Kenya National Democratic Union (Kadu) leader the late Ronald Ngala. His mentor was the late Coast politician, Ronald Ngala, with whom he crossed over from the Kenya African Democratic Union to Kenya African National Union (Kanu).

Matano, a former teacher and district education officer, was among pre-independence politicians who attended the Lancaster House conference in London in the 1960s. Matano was acting KANU secretary General for 10 years from 1969 to 1979 when he was confirmed and held the post till August 1985. He lost the position to Burudi Nabwera in that year’s national party elections.

Matano had a chequered political career as a freedom fighter, a powerful Cabinet minister in both founding President Kenyatta and retired President Daniel Moi’s regimes, and later transformed himself to a rural farmer at his Mazeras village home. He wielded immense power when he succeeded former minister, Tom Mboya, who was assassinated in 1969. During the Kenyatta and Moi regimes, Matano was known to be tough on matters of discipline that always made him differ with Kanu members. He served as cabinet minister in various portfolios in both the Kenyatta and the Moi Governments.He was later to become a mentor for many Coast politicians, including former Cabinet ministers, the late Shariff Nassir and Mr Noah Katana Ngala.

Matano was among the founders of the Coast-based Shirikisho Party of Kenya (SPK) whose leader is Transport minister, Mr Chirau Ali Mwakwere.In his sunset years, his last public appearance was when he was called to address SPK delegates at Reef Hotel in Mombasa after Mwakwere took over as Shirikisho party leader in 2007. Matano assured party members that "once a politician he would always remain one" and he would be available for consultation.
He leaves behind two widows, Mrs Ruth Kwekwe Matano and Mrs Susan Matano, and 16 children.
-Omar Ahmed Ali

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SHARIFF ABDURAHAMAN BADAWY

EMINENT ISLAMIC SCHOLAR RENOWNED 'TWABIB'-
HE WAS ALSO POPULARLY KNOWN AS 'KHITAMI'

Shariff Abdurahaman Badawy an eminent scholar and a renowned 'Twabib', throughout the Coast of East Africa and Commoro islands - popularly known as Khitami - passed away in Mombasa on May 28th, 2005 after enduring a long time illness. He was about 85 years old. Several thousand mourners from various parts the Coast and East Africa attended his funeral rites at Nuru Mosque. Later his body was flown to Lamu for burial at his father's side, in the Riyadha shine - which is renowned for its annual Prophet Muhammed Birthday celebrations (Maulidi).

As a brilliant and versatile educationist of various disciplines Sayyid Khitami produced several hundred highly qualified theologians, jurisprudence of high calibre, lingustics of Arabic grammar, rhetoric, 'Twabibs' and 'Mauldi recitals'.
He was a fascinating and exciting public speaker and a wonderful lecturer whose Ramadhani 'Darasa' at Sakina Mosque of Old Town, Mombasa used to attract hundreds of listeners, some of whom went on to become his full time students. His persistent clarion word to such students was: 'Discipline' as the key to successful learning of any given subject and healthy living. One highly regarded student, Ustadh Harith Swaleh, paid tribute to his mentor:

"Sayyid Khitam was not only a great educationist but a profound sage and a good Muslim philosopher whose wisdom would stand as his indestructible monument in the hearts of his students and the Muslims who happened to have his personal contact.

"He was a peripatetic lecturer who would travel from and to Lamu, Malindi and Mombasa delivering sermons on Islam and treating his patients with a deep sense of devotion and dedication.
"He used to passionately love his call - teaching and giving medicine to his patients. "His death is most definitely a great, irreparable loss to the Muslims of East Africa."He was a man of imposing personality with much charismatic power, a pleasant conversationalist with a sense of decent humour who readily mixed with people of all ages and be comfortable with them all.
He often spent time with youth to whom he used to advice as to how to conduct their lives as to set good example for their peers and friends.

He would consistently tell the youth "Be young of pragmatic principles; adhering to the 'practicing a sense of moderation in all your dealings as this is the foundation of success in all given involvements of life."
Sayyid Khitami established himself as a scholar of integrity and dignity who tenaciously committed to spreading the Islamic teaching: that the beauty of Islam lies in its simplicity, with a sense of tolerance and respect of other faiths of Heavenly Scriptures.
He was a very well read, highly cultured, thorough gentleman who would well fit with any given society and he was exceptionally popular.

He was often sought to the Arab Gulf nations - such Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman to treat prominent people suffering from: 'Baridi yabis' - various forms of blood-clots and blood veins bursting.
He strictly followed his father's footsteps - the 'saint' Sayyid Swaleh Badawy and was indeed described by those who knew the 'saint' that Khitami was an apt replica of his father.
He inherited the leadership of the Riyadh college, the shrine and the birthday of Prophet Muhammad celebrations organization and ran them with tremendous success, until this year when he fell terribly ill and left the running of Maulidi to some of his thirty six sons and daughters; the most prominent of whom include:

Dr. Bin Simet, a lecturer of Biochemistry at Mascat University, Oman,

Sayyid Muhdhari, an academician, teaching at the Coast Academy, Mombasa who has also taken up lecturing at Anisa Mosque and practicing 'Twabib',

Shariff Swaleh a businessman dealing with exports and imports, clearing and forwarding, and

Sayyid Jened is a businessman in Oman.

Several hundred mourners from all the Bajuni islands converged into Riyadh Mosque to pay their last respect to their revered, great scholar - Sayyid Abduraham Bin Sayyid Swaleh Badawy - Khitami.
- Faraj Dumila, Mombasa.
(JUNE 03 - 09, 2005)

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KATAMA MKANGI
BRILLIANT ENGLISH AND KISWAHILI SCHOLAR

Coastweek - - The death of Katama Mkangi has robbed Kenya a brilliant scholar and a literary giant whose contributions in both English and Kiswahili have definitely built for him an indestructible monument.
He was one of the few Kenyan intellectuals who used to enjoy mixing with upcoming artists and aspiring writers. He was a thorough gentleman who committed his precious life to the service of promoting unity among the divergent ethnic groups of Kenya.

He did this with an unfaltered sense of bravery for which he terribly suffered during the last Nyayo regime.
He was an illustrious epitome of Coast personality; amiable, good natured, decorous, hospitable and easily approachable. Students of Kiswahili Literature will never forget the pearls of wisdom enshrined in his master piece novel: "Ukiwa". His writings were markedly simple in style and argument; appealing to common sense and common experience; rather than to authority.
Mkangi was great teacher and would go out of his way to protect any Black cultural value with his all intellectual might. He was a peripatetic think-tank whose philosophic and fascinating ideas have been indelibly absorbed into many educated brains.
Today Kenya is poorer without him around.
- Faraj Dumila, Mombasa.
(MARCH 12-18, 2004)

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USTAADH KHAMIS BIN AHMED
Scholar Of Classic Arabic Literature

Coastweek - - Several hundreds mourners attended the funeral of renowned scholar of classic Arabic literature - Ustaadh Khamis Bin Ahmed. He peacefully passed away on Sunday (14-05-06) and buried the same afternoon.Many of his former students of the Ithna Sharia School (now known as Jeffery School) felt very sad to learn of his death and not being able to attend his funeral.

Ustaadh produced several hundred students of Classic Arabic Literature over the years he taught both at the Ithna Sheria School and at the Mswalani Mosque of the Old Town, Mombasa.
In his youth, he was a leading Mombasa soccer player with his Falah Football Club.He baptized the club after his own 'Madrassa - Falah Muslim school.

His nephew - Mahmoud Abass followed his footsteps to become a leading national team goal keeper.
He was the Imam and lecturer of the Mswalani Mosque where his elder brother - Maalim Said Bin Ahmed for the first time introduced Kiswahili Friday sermons and soon the idea spread all over the Coast and earned him great fame throughout the East African region as a great missionary.
Ustaadh left behind his beloved widow whom he used to affectionately address "Ummy Said" and his only son Said Khamis Ahamed, an officer with Mombasa City Council.
- Faraj Dumila, Mombasa.
(MARCH 12- 19, 2006)

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SHERIFF NASSIR ABDALLAH TAIB

A Patriot who served community with humility and dedication

Coastweek - - Thousands of mourners attended the burial of the longest serving Member of Parliament from Coast Province, Sheriff Nassir Abdallah Taib, held at Sarigoi Muslim cemetery last Sunday.
Kanu Majengo sub-branch vice-chairman, Ibrahim Khamis Zito said Nassir's burial was attended by a record of mourners. "All in my life, I have never seen so many people having attended the burial the way they came out to bury our hero," added Zito.

Mr Nassir who served as Mvita MP for 24 years, passed away in the morning hours on Sunday, November 27 when he was rushed to Mombasa Hospital.

He collapsed at his Ganjoni house at around 6.15 a.m. and was rushed to Mombasa Hospital where the doctor pronounced him dead on arrival. Nassir's body was taken to his Majengo family house where relatives, friends and politicians flocked and paid their last respect. Emotions ran high as mourners cried loudly and uncontrollably with others reciting verses from the Quran and offering prayers. Last prayers for the late Nassir were held at Mussa Mosque before the biggest procession headed to the Sarigoi Muslim cemetery where he was buried.Among the prominent politicians who attended the burial were the leaders of the official opposition party, Uhuru Kenyatta, Mombasa Mayor Taib Ali Taib and former ministers, Raila Odinga, Najib Balala and Morris Dzoro.

Others included MPs, Ramadhan Seif Kajembe, William Ruto, Ali Wario, Gideon Moi, Abu Chiaba and Fahim Twaha. Former MPs, Rashid Sajjad, Mohamed Hashim, Mohamed Jahazi, Chibule wa Tsuma and former Malindi Mayor Gideon Mungaro, were also present.

In his message of condolences, President Mwai Kibaki described the late Mr Nassir as a patriot who served the Kenyan community with humility and dedication. Former President Daniel arap Moi who was Mr Nassir's personal friend, said the deceased would be remembered for his astuteness in mobilizing the masses for any cause he believed in.
Vice-President Moody Awori said the death has robbed Kenyans of a great person who had interests of his people at heart.

The VP described the former Minister of State as a good Kenyan who played a major role in improving the living standards of his people. He said he had known Mr Nassir for over 20 years as a principled politician.
Kanu national chairman Uhuru Kenyatta said the late Nassir was like his father adding that the death has robbed the country of a principled, staunch and unwavering member of opposition party, Kanu.
Other messages of condolences came from former Saudi Arabian Ambassador, HE Said Hemed Said, Mr Jahazi, former Mombasa Mayor Rajab Sumba and Kanu executive officer, Julius Sunkuli.
Kanu Mvita branch executive committee led by its vice-chairman Mohamed Said Abdalla felt the branch has lost a leader whose leadership qualities cannot be matched and that he has left a gap which would be difficult to be filled.

The branch will hold special prayers (Khitma) for the late Mr Nassir at Kanu headquarters in Majengo tomorrow (Saturday) from 4.30 p.m.
Mr Nassir was born in 1926 in Lamu and was educated at Serani primary School (formerly known as Arab Boys School) and Shimo la Tewa Secondary School where he took junior and senior Cambridge examinations.
He joined politics before independence where he was one of the top Coast Peoples Party (CPP) leaders.
After independence, Mr Nassir joined Kenya African Democratic Union (KADU) whose leader was former Cabinet Minister in Mzee Jomo Kenyatta's regime, the late Mr Ronald G Ngala. When KADU was disbanded, Mr Ngala and Mr Nassir joined the Kenya African National Union (KANU), former being the chairman of the Mombasa branch with the later as vice-chairman.

Mr Nassir was a Councillor representing Makadara ward before he was elected the Mombasa Central (now Mvita) Member of Parliament when he defeated Mr Jahazi during the 1974 general elections.
He continued to be the area MP until the 2002 general elections when he lost the seat he occupied for 24 years to the current MP Mr Najib Balala. When Mr Ngala died in 1972, Mr Nassir took over the branch leadership. He later became the Mvita branch chairman till his death.

Special prayers have been held at Khonzi, Nuurein (TSS), Sheikh Jundani and Noor Mosques.
Mr Swaleh Abdallah Taib, a younger brother of the late Nassir, thanked all those who participated in one way or another in the funeral arrangements. "Our family is happy that the funeral of our beloved family member was attended by a record crowd which is a testimony that he was a good man," said Taib on behalf of Mr Nassir's family.
May the Almighty Allah rest his soul in eternal peace, Amin.
- Abdulrahman Sheriff, Mombasa.
(DECEMBER 02 - 08, 2005)

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GEORGE MBUGGUSS
KENYA HAS LOST A GREAT KISWAHILI JOURNALIST

Coastweek - - The late Kenya newspaperman George Mbugguss was the arch-model of a polished Kiswahili journalistic personality. His death has definitely robbed hundreds of up-coming Kiswahili journalists (and their readers as well) of a highly committed editor.
He was a paragon of the media who contributed immensely in building up a good image of African journalism.
He was endowed with many journalistic talents, being a brilliant news editor and a perceptive weekly columnist. Wherever and whenever a Kiswahili newspaper - especially so 'Taifa Leo' - is read he will be fondly remembered: not only for his well written articles but much more so for the professional planning and layout of his pages.

I always found George to be very helpful and co-operative with all his colleagues.
His own peers - who included Omar Chambati, Bob Muthusi, Joe Kadhi, Maurice Sichalwe and Joe Khamis - also admired his editorial out put and his obvious dedication and devotion to his career.
This writer was privileged to have worked with him when Nation newspapers established a weekly pull out within Taifa leo, known as 'Jifunze na Uendelee' for newly literate readers.

This was a generous offer given by the late Michel Curtis to the Board of Adult Education, in co-operation of UNESCO and Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (of which I was its representative to the editorial board).
He, along with Harry Sambo, for six good years continuously edited the pull out to the success and admiration of all concerned. I have known George since 196O and ever since we became family friends.
George Mbugguss was hard working, punctual at his office, readily approachable and always receptive to good ideas on Kiswahili writing.

He was man of his word, reliable, and quick to fulfill his promise. He was an admirable conversationalist with a good sense of humour. He was a resourceful news man who could easily detect news values in any given item based on their oddity, immediacy, conflict, proximity, suspense, emotion and consequence. He had a sharp mind and considerable intellectual perception.
George was a good man: Kenya has irreparably lost a great journalist.
- Faraj Dumila, Mombasa.
(JULY 16 - 22, 2004)

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Fr. XAVIER MWAKIO MWASHIGHADI

Pastoral Experience in Kongowea, Chaani, Kinango,
Malindi, Lushangoni and Mwatate

Coastweek - - "To everything there is a season," says Ben Sirach. The sad news reached us on the 8th February that Rev. Fr. Xavier Mwakio Mwashighadi together with Francis Maghanga, a teacher from Sagalla Secondary School had passed away in a motorcycle accident having been crushed by a trailer at Kasarani, the Voi/ Mombasa junction.

Fr. Xavier stopped to pick up Francis Maghanga a teacher at Sagalla Secondary School.
The accident occurred at Kasarani, Voi.
Everyone especially the family and the Archbishop and Priests are in a state of profound shock.
He was ordained with Fr. Raphael Khanga, Fr. Michael Mwambegu, Fr. Henry Ndune Zoka and Fr. Joseph Karani Ngala. Fr. Xavier was born on the 14th February 1972. He is the son of Mr. Teddy Mwashighadi and Mrs. Elisabeth Mrunde.
He was the youngest of eight brothers and three sisters. He attended St Lwanga Primary School, Changamwe followed by St Mary's Minor Seminary, Kwale.

In 1992 he entered Christ the King, Major Seminary, Nyeri and completed in 1999. He had pastoral experience in Kongowea, Chaani, Kinango, Malindi, Lushangoni and Mwatate. His Parish at the time of the accident was Sagalla where he has been working with great zeal especially with the youth. The Holy Ghost Cathedral on 14th February 2003 was packed and overflowing for the last journey of Fr Xavier. People had come from all parts of the Archdiocese especially Taita and Changamwe. The celebration of "Life" in the Cathedral was the culmination of the prayer begun on the day of Fr Xavier's passing.

On Thursday 13th February Mass was held at Maungu and then the cortège moved to Mombasa for the Vigil in Holy Ghost Cathedral. The main celebrant for the Funeral Mass was the Most Rev. John Njenga, Archbishop of Mombasa. Priests came from Nairobi, Kitui, Kakamega, Embu and Nyeri among others. Fr. Xavier's brother, a parishioner of Changamwe read the Readings. Fr Michael Mwambegu, one of the group in which Fr. Xavier was ordained intoned the Gospel reading of St John in Bethany and the famous lines:
"I am the Resurrection and the Life".

It was beautifully done. The Church was silent in wrapped attention. During Offertory the Breviary of Fr. Xavier was one of the items offered. Many words of condolence came from the Apostolic Nuncio, Most Rev Giovanni Tonnucci, the Kenyan Bishops especially of Garissa and Malindi.

Our Priests in Italy, U.S.A., U.K. and Jamaica plus Sisters and others from various places also sent messages of sympathy. Fr. Ngoma, the Apostolic Vicar for Taita/ Taveta then spoke. Fr. Joseph Kengah, the Chairperson for the Diocesan Priest's Association thanked everyone again.
Fr. Maxwell Okello Parish Priest of Changamwe and Dean of Mombasa West, as well as the MC for the occasion also thanked everyone. The Vicar General, Fr. Ernest Mutua then introduced the Archbishop.
It was a very touching moment. After the last blessing the cortège moved to Mbaraki Cemetery, stopping all the traffic in Nyerere Avenue. The last journey was well-organised thanks to the Saint Joseph's Society.
Thanks go to all, too many to name, for their generosity and assistance at this moment.
Death especially of a young person is very difficult to understand.
The Lord's ways are surely not ours. We pray for Fr. Xavier, his family, the Archbishop, the Priests, his friends and all those who know him. It is a great loss to the Archdiocese.
- Sister Maggie Kennedy, Catholic Archdiocese Of Mombasa.
(MARCH 07 - 13, 2003)

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ALI JAMAADAR -
A SWAHILI STORY TELLER AND TEACHER

STORIES POSSESS CHARM, SIMPLICITYAND A DISTINCTIVE SWAHILI FLAVOUR

Coastweek - - Ali Jamaadar (1925-2006), Swahili story teller and teacher, was born in Mombasa on 5 January 1925, the son of Jamaadar Amir mKilindini, fisherman and fishmonger, and his wife Maryam Juma.
He was educated at the Arab School, Serani, after which he qualified as a primary school teacher at the government teacher training college in Zanzibar.

Returning to the Kenya Protectorate he taught many generations of young people, first at his old school and then at Khadija Primary School, Kisauni. As a correspondent to Coastweek has already mentioned, Mu'allim Jamaadar did indeed help to maintain the observation of the Swahili New Year in Mombasa. Traditionally, the Swahili people have three annual holidays, of which two are Islamic and follow the lunar year.

The third is Siku ya Mwaka (the Swahili New Year), the date of which is calculated according to the solar year.
Formerly Siku ya Mwaka was celebrated throughout the entire length of Swahililand, including Zanzibar and Pemba, and beyond to Ngazija (Grand Comore).
Today only a few Swahili towns observe the holiday.
Here in Mombasa the annual celebrations continue, due in part to Mu'allim Jamaadar's efforts.
The activities begin at dawn, at the reputed grave of the founder of the town, Shee Mvita.
In the past, Siku ya Mwaka was important for all the people of the town, farmers, sailors, fishermen, chuo pupils and their teachers.
For, on this day the waMiji (the native inhabitants of Mombasa) beseech the Almighty for his favour and protection during the year ahead.
The waMiji constituted the overwhelming majority of the town's population until the end of the nineteenth century, when the British began building the port at Kilindini and the Uganda Railway.
The Siku ya Mwaka is less a replica of the Iranian (Persian) New Year, as has been assumed by some; rather is it a home-grown product evolved by the Swahili themselves over uncountable generations.
Many of the customs relating to Kibunzi (New Year's Eve) and to Siku ya Mwaka have been discontinued during the past century.
For example, the dawn procession no longer wends its way from Ngomeni (Fort Jesus) along Ndia Kuu to Kwa Shee Mvita.
However the core ceremonies remain.
Thanks to the successful efforts of Mu'allim Jamaadar and others today's young people in Swahili Mombasa have the opportunity to hand on these traditions to the next generation.
Towards the end of the Siku ya Mwaka rites and ceremonies the gungu (a dance for men) is performed on the greensward.

I retain fond memories of Mu'allim Jamaadar participating in this dance with skill and elegance, to the obvious enjoyment of several hundred onlookers. As far as language is concerned Mu'allim Jamaadar was a staunch promoter of his beloved Swahili. Several years ago, already in the wheelchair which was a consequence of his diabetes, he was involved in a land case at the (new) Mombasa law courts.

He began to address the court in kiSwahili, but was soon interrupted by a young advocate who told him in an exceedingly rude manner that the court should not be addressed in kiSwahili but in English.
Mu'allim Jamaadar replied that he preferred to employ his mother tongue.

At this point the magistrate intervened and compelled the advocate to apologize for his rudeness.
The apology was made, and Mu'allim Jamaadar continued to hold forth - in kiSwahili.
It is for his storybooks, however, that Mu'allim Jamaadar will be best remembered, the fruit of his teaching years.

Nahodha Fikirini (1971);

Hadithi zenye mafunzo (1973);

Mui huwa mema (1978), with which is associated Alamin M. Mazrui's Mwongozo wa 'Mui huwa mema' (1981);

Hadith za wahenga (1982).

There is also a set of three language primers Msingi wa Kiswahili
(with Aboud Mchangamwe).

These storybooks reveal the man, for they possess charm, simplicity and a distinctive Swahili flavour.
Countless students have read, and continue to read, these publications with profit and pleasure.
Inevitably, perhaps, they do not reflect the speech of mother-tongue speakers, but employ the standardized language as taught in schools.

Mu'allim Jamaadar died at home in Mwembeni, Mombasa Island aged eighty-one, and was buried amongst the waTangana of the three tribes (the miji mitatu of Swahili Mombasa).
He was twice married and is survived by three sons from his second marriage.
Mu'allim Jamaadar's life-long efforts to promote the Swahili language and to keep alive the customs and traditions of his people should be gratefully remembered.
P.J.L.F., Mombasa Island.
JANUARY 23 - 30, 1998