Stampede for Sacred Oil Kills at Least Twenty Worshipers in Tanzania

In Moshi, a town outside of Mount Kilimanjaro, religious passion became fatal for northern Tanzanian worshipers as a stampede killed at least 20 people. (Wikimedia Commons)

A stampede at a church service held in a sports stadium in Moshi, Tanzania, killed at least twenty people and injured more than a dozen others on February 2. The victims were churchgoers pursuing anointment at a Pentecostal service.

The pastor and self-proclaimed apostle, Boniface Mwamposa, attracted many worshipers with “blessed oil,” which he poured on the floor. He promised that his anointment would grant prosperity and cure diseases.

In an attempt to heal their ailments, people rushed to make contact with the oil by walking through the area where Mwamposa spilled it. As a consequence, worshipers were "trampled on mercilessly, jostling each other with elbows," according to service attendee, Peter Kilewo.

After the stampede, Mwamposa fled to Dar es Salaam, where he was later arrested for inciting the fatal situation, according to the Tanzanian government. However, Mwamposa’s arrest has not stamped out his presence. The preacher has been granted bail, and the Kilimanjaro regional commissioner has confirmed his release. Meanwhile, in Moshi, police apprehended seven others in connection with the stampede.

George Simbachawene, minister of state in the Vice President’s Office, criticized the church for its lack of precautions and breach of the meeting’s permit. The event ran two hours later than programmed. Simbachawene expressed concern that more casualties could be reported in coming days. 

Kippi Warioba, the district commissioner of Moshi, affirmed Simbachawene’s fear. He told AFP that “so far, 20 people have died, but the death toll could increase as there were also wounded.”

Simbachawene expressed the need for the Tanzanian government to strengthen registration requirements for churches.