Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir has been laid to rest, with the burial attended by Joho and Sudi

Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan was laid to rest in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, on Monday, just hours after his death. Political and religious leaders from across Tanzania gathered to join President Samia Suluhu Hassan and her family in mourning his loss.

The funeral prayer was conducted by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheik Saleh Omar Kaabi, attended by senior government officials, political leaders, and religious figures at the ceremony.

Among those in attendance were Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.


The funeral gathered prominent individuals from Tanzania’s political landscape, including Second Vice President Hemec Suleiman Abdullah, former President Jakaya Kikwete, and former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein.

Kenya was represented at the funeral by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and Kapsaret MP Oscar Sudi, who attended on behalf of the Kenyan government and its citizens.

Former Zanzibar First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman was present, along with ministers and deputy ministers from both the Union Government and the Zanzibar Revolutionary Government.

Hafidh, who died on Monday, was buried in his hometown of Kizimkazi, and he is survived by two widows, four children, and 15 grandchildren.

A career dedicated to education and farming

During the funeral, Deputy Director of State House Communications Shabaan Kisu read from Hafidh's biography, noting that he was born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village, located in West B District of the Urban West Region, Unguja.


He finished his primary education at Kombeni Shakani School in 1960 and then attended Tumekuja Secondary School in Mkunazini, graduating in 1965.

Hafidh enrolled at Zanzibar Teachers’ College in 1970 and completed his studies in 1973. He later served as an educator in various schools across Tanzania.

Hafidh had been undergoing treatment for a heart condition prior to his passing.

Regional leaders express their sorrow.

Hafidh’s death prompted a wave of condolences from leaders throughout Africa, with President Samia receiving messages of sympathy from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Zambia.

Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his profound sadness upon receiving the news, characterizing Hafidh as a notable Tanzanian.

“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto stated.

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, Burundi’s President Evariste Ndayishimiye, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, Somali President Hassan Sheik Mohamud, and Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema extended their condolences to President Samia and the people of Tanzania.

Former Senegalese President Macky Sall expressed his condolences for Hafidh, referring to him as the “beloved husband” of President Samia.

The funeral took place only hours after Tanzania’s vice president announced Hafidh’s passing.

“It is with profound sadness that I inform you of the passing of Honorable Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband to the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan,” Ndejembi stated.

He mentioned that Hafidh had been undergoing treatment for a heart condition prior to his passing.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency the President, the family, relatives, friends, and all Tanzanians during this period of mourning,” he stated.

The late Hafidh largely kept a low public profile as the spouse of Tanzania’s president.