FEATURE :Untold story of astrologer and Tanzania’s 2015 general election

What you need to know:

His numerous predictions made front page news and a long consultation list at his offices meant visitors had to wait for hours before seeing the famous astrologer.

His growing popularity alarmed some within society and even attracted debate in Parliament. On June 29 1971, MP John Mulli Mutambo demanded that Vice President Daniel Moi, who was also minister for Home Affairs, tell Parliament whether he was aware that “a certain Sheikh Yahya” was “collecting huge sums of money from Kenyans as consultation fees through his fictitious astrological practice and that Kenya is losing enormous sums of money that way”. Mr Moi promised an investigation. However, in a follow-up question, according to the Hansard record of the debate, MP Wafula Wabuge asked Mr Moi if he was aware that it was “alleged throughout the country that even some people in high positions in the government are using Mr Yahya to tell them what will become of Kenya tomorrow”. Mr Moi denied this.

FEATURE :Untold story of astrologer and Tanzania’s 2015 general election

What you need to know:

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