 The Shia Ismaili sect is represented by Dawoodi Bohra, Mustaali Ismaili denomination and Khoja Ismailis, a Nizari Ismaili denomination both of Indian descent.Most of the Shia of Indian origin arrived in East Africa in the 19th century, primarily to landing in Zanzibar and Lamu.initially as traders, later branching into hardware and glass, and then into real estate and construction businesses.