Zanzibar — HUNDREDS of Zanzibar residents turned out to attend the funeral of Sheikh Nassor Abdallah Bachu, a renowned Muslim cleric in the Isles. Bachu's funeral was held at Maisara grounds before being buried at Donge area in Unguja North.

However, a dispute occurred over where the body of the deceased was supposed to be laid to rest. The dispute was between the late cleric's former students and family members who unsuccessfully wanted the deceased to be buried close to the mosque, while students opposed arguing that it is against religious teachings for the dead to be buried close to a mosque.

The unexpected dispute prompted delays in the burial of the late cleric. The body of Sheikh Bachu was supposed to be laid to rest at around 11 a.m. but due to the dispute the burial was conducted at around 3.30 p.m.

Bachu, who is survived by three wives and fifteen children, had been bedridden for over one year due to health problems. First Vice President, Mr Seif Sharif Hamad was among government leaders who attended the funeral.