TANZANIA: Mkapa Was a Firm Believer Who Lived What He Believed In, Most. Rev. Ruwa’ichi Eulogizes
Pascal Mwanache
Tanzania’s former President Benjamin Mkapa, died on Friday, July 24, 2020, President John Magufuli said in a statement.
President John Magufuli addressed the nation, saying Mkapa died at a Dar es Salaam Hospital where he was receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, the president has declared a seven-day mourning period, during which all flags will be flown at half-mast.
“I call on all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and to pray for Mzee Mkapa. More information will be released but Mzee Mkapa is no more,” he said.
President Magufuli also added in a tweet, “I will remember him for his love of country, hard work and effort in building the economy. The nation has lost a strong figure.”
Speaking after signing the book of condolences, former President Jakaya Kikwete said that death is a mystery of God, “Yesterday I went to see him at the hospital. We talked a lot. He was in pain but stable. When I received the sad news, I asked what happened again, because he was not a patient you could imagine to die. I left and said goodbye Sir, I will see you again tomorrow. I do not expect you to stay in the hospital but at home.”
Prime Minister of Tanzania Kassim Majaliwa said that the farewell function will be held at the National Stadium Dar es salaam on July 28 while the burial ceremony will be held in his village Lupaso, Masasi District in Mtwara region on July 29.
Speaking about the late Benjamin Mkapa, the Archbishop of the Catholic Diocese of Dar es salaam, His Grace Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi said that during his presidency Mkapa showed dedication in his duties.
“He has left us a wonderful legacy of glorious performance. He was a calm man; he showed a lot of dedication during the ten years of his presidency. He did a lot that will live in our memories. He was a firm believer in God and he lived what he believed in. ” he said.
Mkapa was born in 1938 in Masasi, southern Tanzania. He was the third President of Tanzania, in office from 1995 to 2005.
