Dozens vouch for former cleric's herbal brew

By Alex Kiprotich and Marc Nkwame

Adam Lembris, Olturoto in Arusha says: It seems like the herbal medication works after all, judging by thousands of people who continue to flock Samunge village in Ngorongoro.

The local authorities should find ways of controlling the crowd thronging the pastor’s home and reinforce security, improve the working conditions, environment and sanitation around Ambilikile Masapile’s ‘clinic’.

John Mbavai of Sekei ward says: "My wife and I were suffering from acute diabetic conditions but after taking the drink in Loliondo, this is our third week with normal blood sugar. We went for medical check-ups and I can say we are healed.

Other ailments such as insomnia, fatigue and periodical fevers that used to torment me are gone. I think every person with problems should consult the Loliondo healer.

Dorcas Jamal from Meru District: I am a living testimony of what Pastor Masapile’s cure can do. After going there, some two weeks ago, all my ailments, including blisters and mysterious wounds on my fingers that used to cause the nails to fall off are healing.

People used to tell me had leprosy but my condition is improving, even my heart problems are under control. Right now, I want to take my mother who has mental problems to also try the Loliondo cure.

Joshua Thedeus of Uzunguni - Kijenge: My cousin was diagnosed with HIV positive last year and he was among the first people to take Pastor Masapile’s magical cure last October. He then summed up courage and went for HIV tests, guess what? He was found negative.

He used to look sick, worn out and tired but now he has regained his health. I know lots of people who say they have been cured by the Loliondo brew. I have never been there but there is no doubt that the herbal drink can cure all deadly ailments.

The dash to Loliondo has stirred again the debate on if there is place for traditional medicine in the modern world. Supporters of traditional healing say the two can compliment each other. They say the developing world has many examples that show that modern and traditional medicine need not clash — from Chinese hospitals that provide herbal therapy alongside conventional medicine to Ecuadorian clinics where modern general practitioners work alongside traditional ‘yachaks’ (shamans).