an Anglican Church leader commended former President Benjamin Mkapa for his stance against the death sentence during his term. Bishop John Ramadhan

an Anglican Church leader commended former President Benjamin Mkapa for his stance against the death sentence during his term. Bishop John Ramadhan, leader of the Anglican Church in Zanzibar, described Mr Mkapa as “an exemplary leader who adhered to basic human rights.” He said the former president believed in the “nobility of human life” and hence did not sign an death warrant for several people who were given death sentences during his term. The bishop was speaking during a Christmas sermon held at the historic Mkunazini Church in the Isles’ Stone Town. “During his tenure, Mkapa did not sanction any death penalty despite the fact that many people were convicted of murder and sentenced to death,” said the clergyman. He condemned the death penalty as an act against human rights, and said many nations were abolishing it because it did not value human life.