CCM chairwoman Bi Asha dies in Dubai

Zanzibar. CCM Women Wing (UWT) deputy chairperson in the Isles and Zanzibar’s former minister for Women and Children, Asha Bakari Makame, died in the early hours of yesterday in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

She died a few days after returning from India where she had been receiving medical treatment, according CCM Zanzibar Women Wing secretary Salama Aboud Talib.

“We have greatly been shocked by the demise of Bi Asha as she was an important pillar within our women’s wing. She was a brave woman who volunteered to work all the time,” Ms Aboud said.

Zanzibar’s CCM deputy secretary general Vuai Ali Vuai said they received the sad news about the death of Asha in Dubai and that he sympathised with all the bereaved,” Mr Vuai added.

“We are in contact with members of her family for official funeral arrangements and other procedures that will be made public after contacting with them and knowing the whole procedures of bringing her body back home,” he said.

Zanzibar’s House of Representatives clerk Yahya Khamis Hamad said his office joined the bereaved family in mourning Asha’s death, expressing that after the arrival of her body, his executives would join the bereaved family in laying the deceased to rest.

Mr Hamad said Asha has been sick for sometime and the office of the House of Representatives made efforts to support her treatment before she was sent to India for further medical attention.

He said the late Bi Asha was a fighter and an advocate for various issues during her life within and outside the House of Representatives.

Asha Bakari Makame was born on December 25, 1949 at Mtambwe Village on Pemba Island, the same village where CUF Secretary General Seif Sharif Hamad was born.

She was among Zanzibar’s most staunch Chama Cha Mapinduzi cadres, who commanded a lot of trust and respect due her commitment towards the ruling party.