Africa

Former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi's burial underway

Soldiers carry former Tanzanian President Ali Hassan Mwinyi's coffin during his funeral ceremony on March 2, 2024. (Photo: State House Tanzania)

By Barack Oduor | Saturday, March 2, 2024

The Prime Minister said the body will be flown to Zanzibar for a national burial, which will be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday.

Tanzania's second President, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, is set to be laid to rest on Saturday at Mangapwani village in Unguja, Zanzibar.

According to information released by Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa's office earlier on Friday, the deceased will be taken to the Kinondoni Grand Mosque in Dar es Salaam for prayers.

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Mufti Abubakar Zubeir bin Ally is expected to lead the prayers, known as "Salat al-Janazah", as a fundamental component of Islamic funeral rites.

After the prayer, his body will be taken to Uhuru Stadium for government officials, diplomats, and wananchi to pay their last respects to the former president.

Tanzania President Samia Suluhu at the burial ceremony of former Tanzanian leader Ali Hassan Mwinyi on March 2, 2024. (Photo: State House Tanzania)

The Prime Minister further stated that in the evening, the body will be flown to Zanzibar for a national burial, which will be led by President Samia Suluhu Hassan on Saturday.

The former President passed away on Friday while at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam. He was suffering from lung cancer.

Following his death, President Samia declared seven days of national mourning in honour of Mwinyi, popularly known as 'Mzee Rukhsa'.

In addition to declaring a seven-day national mourning period, President Samia issued an order for Tanzania's flags to be flown at half-mast. Mwinyi served as Tanzania's president from 1985 to 1995.

The widows of former Tanzanian leader Ali Hassan Mwinyi are pictured during his funeral ceremony on March 2, 2024. (Photo: State House Tanzania)

President William Ruto praised Mwinyi as a "great leader whose rich legacy will never fade," extending his sympathies to President Samia Suluhu and the people of Tanzania. "Rest In Peace, Mzee Mwinyi," he added.

Azimio leader Raila Odinga described Mwinyi as a "truly great African leader and statesman," expressing condolences to President Suluhu on behalf of himself and his wife, Ida Odinga.

In a televised address, President Suluhu described Mwinyi's passing as a significant loss to the country. She revealed that Mwinyi had been receiving treatment in London since November before returning to Tanzania, where he continued his treatment until his demise.

Before his presidency, Mwinyi held significant positions, including Interior Minister and Vice President. He also chaired the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), from 1990 to 1996.