Police arrest Saida Karoli ‘Wanchekecha’ in Hoima

By Amlan Tumusiime and Fred KayizziRenowned Tanzanian musician Saida Karoli popularly known here as Wanchekecha, was on Sunday night briefly held by police in Hoima over allegations of impersonation.Police cordoned off Riviera hotel and interrogated the singer for several hours before releasing her.The district CID officer, George Kanonko, said Karoli was quizzed after her show, following complaints from her fans that she could not be the famous singer, Karoli. Kanonko said Karoli’s passport bore the names of Kalayundia Rugano Kyeejo, raising more suspicions. “Her passport was also confiscated. It was, however, returned after getting her particulars,” he said.Karoli flew into the country last week for music shows in Masindi, Hoima and Masaka districts during the Easter season. She was hired by Abitex promoters.Sources said the mammoth crowd, which had waited at Riviera Hotel for long hours to see the famous singer, were disappointed to see a simple person. The sources added that this aroused the fans’ suspicion that she could be an imposter, so they alerted the Police.“Karoli fans expected a fat lady travelling in a posh vehicle, but only to see a simple woman in a Carina,” Benjamin Asaba, the Hoima FM radio marketing manager, said.The fans had come from as far as Masindi and Kiboga to join others in Hoima to watch the music show.