Thousands bury rally driver Kurji
May 05, 2009
THOUSANDS of people flocked Kololo cemetery yesterday for the burial of motor rally driver Riyaz Kurji. Kurji, who died in a car accident in the Pearl of Africa Rally on Saturday, was laid to rest at 3:00pm.
By James Bakama
and Swalley Kenyi
THOUSANDS of people flocked Kololo cemetery yesterday for the burial of motor rally driver Riyaz Kurji. Kurji, who died in a car accident in the Pearl of Africa Rally on Saturday, was laid to rest at 3:00pm.
Condolence messages at the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Mosque included that of President Yoweri Museveni, delivered by NRM vice-chairman in charge of eastern region Mike Mukula.
“Kurji was an entrepreneur, an inspiration to the youth and an achiever. It is sad that he has met his death in the sport he loved most,†read Museveni’s message.
Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala, after viewing the body, consoled the Ismaili Muslim community and the deceased’s family.
The mid-day prayers were held under a downpour, which in sorrowful moments is regarded as Rahma or a blessing.
Chants of La Ilaha Ilalah Muhamadan rasulalah (There is no supreme God apart from Allah and Mohammed is his prophet) filled the air as the cortege was being moved for burial.
An hour’s procession of bikers, Subaru rally cars and the ambulance carrying the body moved from Old Kampala, Wandegeya, Mulago, Kamwokya and finally the burial ground at a cemetery in Kololo near Jinja Road Police station.
Business tycoon Karim Hirji led the mourners through Muslim and Indian burial rituals.
Black T-shirts bearing the deceased’s picture and the message “Riyaz Kurji, rest in peace,†were sold by the rally fraternity at a fee varying from sh8,000 to sh20,000.
Kurji’s photos and calendars with his pictures also briskly sold at the mosque and burial ground.
See related story under SPORT
and Swalley Kenyi
THOUSANDS of people flocked Kololo cemetery yesterday for the burial of motor rally driver Riyaz Kurji. Kurji, who died in a car accident in the Pearl of Africa Rally on Saturday, was laid to rest at 3:00pm.
Condolence messages at the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Mosque included that of President Yoweri Museveni, delivered by NRM vice-chairman in charge of eastern region Mike Mukula.
“Kurji was an entrepreneur, an inspiration to the youth and an achiever. It is sad that he has met his death in the sport he loved most,†read Museveni’s message.
Kampala mayor Nasser Sebaggala, after viewing the body, consoled the Ismaili Muslim community and the deceased’s family.
The mid-day prayers were held under a downpour, which in sorrowful moments is regarded as Rahma or a blessing.
Chants of La Ilaha Ilalah Muhamadan rasulalah (There is no supreme God apart from Allah and Mohammed is his prophet) filled the air as the cortege was being moved for burial.
An hour’s procession of bikers, Subaru rally cars and the ambulance carrying the body moved from Old Kampala, Wandegeya, Mulago, Kamwokya and finally the burial ground at a cemetery in Kololo near Jinja Road Police station.
Business tycoon Karim Hirji led the mourners through Muslim and Indian burial rituals.
Black T-shirts bearing the deceased’s picture and the message “Riyaz Kurji, rest in peace,†were sold by the rally fraternity at a fee varying from sh8,000 to sh20,000.
Kurji’s photos and calendars with his pictures also briskly sold at the mosque and burial ground.
See related story under SPORT