Such thoughts may seem far-fetched to outsiders, but they are surprisingly influential for a lot of Zanzibar's inhabitants. The trigger for secessionist sentiments was the CUF's fear that joining the government of national unity after the 2010 elections, which they lost by only 1 per cent, may have impinged on their popularity.
Aidha, pengine kutokana na hofu hiyo iliyopo Zanzibar, makanisa madogo (vigango) kwa mara ya kwanza hayakutumika kwa ibada ya Pasaka na waumini wote walitakiwa kusali kwenye makanisa makubwa huku ratiba ya ibada ya mkesha ikifanyiwa marekebisho makubwa kwa sababu za kiusalama.