Police in northern Tanzania are hunting for a self-proclaimed ‘prophet’ after more than 20 people died during a stampede early Sunday when worshippers surged forward to be ‘blessed’ by ‘holy oil.’

Police say they are looking for ‘pastor’ Boniface Mwamposa, leader of a popular evangelical organisation known as ‘Arise and Shine’ ministry.

Mr Mwamposa, who calls himself the ‘apostle’, allegedly fled the venue of his service in Moshi, a northern town on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, after the stampede.

Police say 20 have died, including at least five children and 16 women.

A further 40 more were injured, some seriously,  and they are being treated at a local hospital.