Alimohamed Jaffer Mohamed Rahim
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- 1891
- 23 April 1936
- The Descendants of Jaffer Mohamed Rahim by Salim Jaffer
- Parents
- Jaffer Mohamed Rahim 1850–1917
- Siblings
- Partners
- Khatija Mohamed Sumar 1895–1971
- Children
- Hussein Alimohamed Jaffer 1912–1978
Trials & Tribulations
(Excerpts from personal letters of Alimohamed):
FROM ZANZIBAR, TO FATHER IN DAR-ES-SALAAM:
January 4, 1910
My dear parents, Pithaji (father) Jaffer M. Rahim, Mathaji Jenabai, (second wife) sister Kulsum and Saku.
I have written several times, but have not received a reply. You say that you do not have the money to get a business license to open up a store. Dad, I cautioned you not to embark on such ventures abroad without adequate funds - but you did not heed my advice.
Over here, creditors are constantly seeking money to fulfill your debt. I am distressed that we have no money for food.
This month, my boss has not paid me, having garnished my wages to your outstanding debts, but next month will pay me a sum of 60 rupees.
Abdulhussein is recieving 15 rupees working at the Council. What shall we do. You think we are earning good money - and are therefore have a good lifestyle; but that is not the case. I am left with the burden to your debt obligations.
Dad, I write this letter, but please do not be angry on me, I respect you as a father, but feel I must speak the truth.
For as long as I live, I shall fulfill all your debts, even if we go hung.
Abdulhussein Jaffer Mohamed Rahim
WRITTEN TO KULSUM (HIS SECOND WIFE)
Tanga 11/1/24
Darling, today I have packed one crate to Mombo in which are the following items: 2 bottles of port wine as prescribed by the doctor that you were having before. 3 jam bottles, I peppermint tin, cod liver oil, 3 tins of cocoa. This is better for you than coffee - so you may not get constipated. 1 dozen enamel plates - so as the children may have their own plates to eat from. Port wine and cod liver oil have regularly. Also have milk with egg if you are not well. When you feel cold, add a little brandy in the mixture. In the same way, treat the children when they are not well.
Tanga 2/10/31
Darling, I have received all your letters, in which you mention th
sickness of all of you, and it breaks my heart. Just as you feel pair
being apart, in the same way, I too feel the pain and hurt of bein
from you, but cannot escape from these worries.
SELF INTRODUCTION BY ALIMOHAMED; SEEKING NOMINATION ON THE MUNICIPAL BOARD
Mombasa, May 1934.
And thus when a few of my friends persuaded me to offer my humble services to our community of this city, of which too I am a citizen now, I have made bold to come out as a candidate to represent the interests of our community in the local Municipality and am craving the indulgence of your kind support. The object of Municipal institutions is not merely to get local work efficiently done, but also to develop civic spirit and raise the general intelligence amongst the people. It helps to teach people of all different caste creeds and communities to join together in a common purpose. I therefore appeal to you all that we must all unite in one common motive of first of all promoting a closer union amongst all the different sections of the Indian community and eventually we must do all in our power to cultivate amongst us an intense feeling of Kenya citizenship. Gentlemen, I am standing here before you today as an Indian and also as a Kenyan. I am one of those who have spent their whole lives in East Africa. My first visit to Mombasa dates back to 1899. Even my grandfather lies buried in Zanzibar. I call East Africa as my adopted country. I am an East African at heart. I have passed my entire life in the calmer atmosphere of commerce and agriculture. Although I am a devoted Mohamedan, I am an Indian first and an East African above all. I will endeavor to see that our institution is worked as economically as possible and that all public expenditures is evenly justly distributed for the welfare of all the communities, and that no particular class section of the citizens receive undue advantage...
THE DECENDANTS OF JAFFER MOHAMED RAHIM BY Salim Jaffer (Vancouver 1999)
Alimohamed Jaffer Mohamed Rahim.
Amirali,Fatmakhanu,Abdulrasul,Zenny and Nurdin 1942
