The Arusha regional consultative committee (RCC) has expressed grave concern over a move by some Kenyans who have reportedly embarked on a business of selling abroad Samunge - the village where Loliondo ex-pastor Ambilikile Masapila is administering his 'magical' traditional herb.
Speaking during the RCC meeting held here last Friday, Ngorongoro district commissioner Elias Wawa-Lali said that some Kenyans had been promoting Samunge village as if it was part of their country.
According to the DC, the Kenyans doing so had been misleadingly telling visitors from around the world that in order for them to get to Samunge, they must first pass through Nairobi.
He called on the RCC to take bold steps to redress the situation and make arrangements to tap the great potentials in the tourism sector than could be connected with the administering of magical herb at the village.
Wawa-Lali stressed that regional authorities must do something to promote the traditional concoction, including establishing a website to advertise it as part of broader efforts to sell the whole region to foreign tourists.
Longido DC James Ole Millya called on different stakeholders to capitalise on available resources and opportunities in the area, including taping the potential of thousands of people travelling to Samunge for a cupful of ex-pastor’s concoction.
For her part, Arumeru DC Mercy Silla said efforts should be made to improve infrastructure in and around Samunge. “Kenya is benefiting by promoting the ‘Loliondo cure’ abroad, attracting foreigners through Nairobi from where they begin their journey to Samunge,” said Silla, adding:
“Let’s use this opportunity to ensure that local infrastructure are improved and that all important facilities are in place.”
Over the past six months, Loliondo has been hosting thousands of visitors rushing to the ex-pastor’s Samunge village for a cupful of traditional herb commonly known as ‘kikombe cha babu’ literally translating as ‘the grandfather’s cup.’
According to regional chief statistician who is also regional census coordinator Margaret Martin, by May 10, this year, the village had already received around 3.5 million visitors.
“The old man now administers the traditional herb to an average of 10,000 people daily,” she said.
Arusha regional commissioner Isidori Shirima said the Bank of Tanzania intends to conduct a survey of the economic impact of the Samunge phenomenon on Loliondo and other local environs.
“Babu’s practice…has made it possible for Digo-Digo ward as well as the entire remote Sonjo plains to get cellular network services,” he said.
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