INVESTIGATION team formed by the Registration, Insolvency, and Trusteeship Agency (RITA) to examine the assets of Manyema Mosque based at Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam, has uncovered embezzlement and loss of assets worth over 2bn/-.

Speaking shortly after receiving the report on findings from an investigation conducted after an in-depth audit of assets and funds following complaints of embezzlement by mosque members and leaders, RITA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Frank Kanyusi announced yesterday that legal actions would be taken against those involved.

“I would like to inform the public that the investigation team has completed its work and has uncovered evidence of financial mismanagement exceeding 2 billion shillings, the loss of institutional assets, including plots of land, and abuse of power,” said Kanyusi.

He further stated, “All those implicated will be referred to the investigative authorities for further action.”

Kanyusi noted that RITA convened a meeting on July 9, 2024, involving the secretaries of Bakwata (Supreme Muslim Council of Tanzania) for Ilala District in Dar es Salaam Region, the dissolved Board of Trustees, and members of Manyema Mosque. The meeting aimed to address the mosque's conflict, during which allegations of asset embezzlement surfaced.

“Using the authority granted to me under Section 14 of the Trustees Registration Act, Chapter 318, I established an investigation team to probe the allegations of asset embezzlement at Manyema Mosque,” Kanyusi emphasised.

He explained that one of the team’s primary tasks was to verify and confirm the legitimacy of all assets owned by Manyema Mosque and review its income sources to determine if revenue collection was conducted in compliance with the law, regulations, and existing guidelines.

Kanyusi also urged the Boards of Trustees of all institutions registered with RITA to focus on fulfilling the responsibilities outlined in their constitutions, ensuring proper oversight and management of finances and assets to avoid legal consequences.

Muslim Council of Tanzania (Bakwata) representative, Rashid Salam, assured the RITA CEO that the governing Muslim body would continue collaborating with the agency to monitor institutions under its umbrella. He emphasised adherence to their constitutions and national laws, with integrity in managing followers’ assets.

Meanwhile, chairman of the Manyema Mosque transitional committee, Said Bakari Isihaka, stated that mosque members and some leaders are awaiting legal proceedings and guidance from relevant authorities. He stressed that those involved in embezzling the mosque’s assets and funds must be held accountable, return the stolen assets, and, if necessary, face court proceedings.

A member of the transitional committee, Ismail Aden Rage, expressed disappointment over the corruption by some leaders. He called for swift legal action to ensure the wrongdoers are brought to justice, return the assets and funds, and answer the charges against them in court.