Magufuli knew he wouldn't survive, ex-security chief says on 3rd death anniversary

Former Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Venance Mabeyo has recounted the events of March 17, 2021, a day that marked a significant loss for Tanzania with the death of President John Magufuli.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News Digital on March 16, 2024, General Mabeyo spoke of an undisclosed conversation with Magufuli, during which he confided in him, expressing doubts about his survival during his hospitalisation.

Mabeyo also said the president confided in him about a desire to return home.

"He called me and expressed doubts about his survival, saying he was not going to recover and asking to be taken back home," he said.

However, Mabeyo emphasised his lack of authority on medical matters, stating firmly that healthcare decisions rested with medical professionals.

The General did not reveal where Magufuli was taken for treatment, but reports later surfaced about his admission to the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya.

The reports indicated that after medical professionals determined that resuscitation was not feasible, they discharged Magufuli while he was on life support and transported him to Dar es Salaam.

The decision to return Magufuli to Tanzania resulted in his intubation following his flight to Nairobi due to acute cardiac and respiratory ailments, the reports said.

Following Magufuli's death, Tanzania's top security officials found themselves grappling with the solemn task of announcing the passing of the Head of State.

"Three heads of security organs were present. We wondered how the news was going to be broken to the public," the General recounted.

After consultations and a review of the constitution, then-Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan decided to formally announce Magufuli's death to the nation, a decision she made after personally informing his family, including his wife and mother, of the tragic news.

Mabeyo revealed that Magufuli's inner circle debated whether Samia should take office before or after Magufuli's funeral, ultimately deciding she should assume the presidency before the funeral on March 26, 2021, albeit with a delay beyond the constitutional timeframe.

The VP eventually assumed office, following the constitutional protocol for succession.

Tanzania's new President Samia Suluhu Hassan and former President John Magufuli on July 24, 2019. (Photo: Ericky Boniphace/AFP)

Magufuli died aged 61 after more than five years of strict rule that earned him the nickname "Bulldozer".

His illness sparked rumours, including that he had contracted COVID-19, but the Tanzanian government announced that he died from a heart condition.

In her announcement of Magufuli's death, Samia said, "It is with deep regret that I inform you that today, March 17, 2021, at 6 pm we lost our brave leader, the President of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli."

Samia said Magufuli had suffered from the heart condition for 10 years and had been treated at facilities including Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute and Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital.

Via X on the third anniversary of the death, Samia wrote a message in her predecessor's honour.

In Swahili, she wrote, "Tarehe kama ya leo miaka mitatu iliyopita tuliondokewa na aliyekuwa Rais wa Awamu ya Tano, Hayati Dkt. John Pombe Magufuli. Tuendelee kumuombea kwa Mwenyezi Mungu ampe pumziko jema. Kama ambavyo awamu zote zimeendelea kufanya, Serikali ya Awamu ya Sita itaendelea kumuenzi Hayati Dkt. John Pombe Magufuli kwa kusimamia na kuyaendeleza mazuri yote aliyoyaanzisha."

This loosely translates to, "On this day three years ago, we lost former President John Pombe Magufuli, who was serving his fifth term. Let's continue to pray to God to give him a good rest. As has been the case over the years, the government will continue to honour Dr Magufuli for his leadership and for all the good projects he initiated."