Tanzania former President John Pombe Magufuli was on Friday, March 26 laid to rest in his hometown Chato in the country’s northwestern region. The burial ceremony was preceded by a public viewing of the body of the man whom many considered as their hero. The public viewing took place at Magufuli Stadium. Since his death on March 17, Magufuli’s body has been moved through different towns in Tanzania to allow as many nationals to pay their last respects to their former leader. The burial was attended by the fallen leader’s close family, relatives and friends. Also in attendance was President Samia Suluhu Hassan, as well as former presidents Ali Hasan Mwinyi and Jakaya Kikwete. The Catholic requiem mass was conducted by the Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) president, Archbishop Gervas John Nyaisonga. Magufuli was known as a prayerful person, who rarely missed church on Sundays. The mass was preceded by singing of both the national anthem and the East African anthem, and a 21-gun salute when the body arrived at the stadium. Magufuli, who was also Tanzania’s fifth president, died on March 17, from heart complications at Mzena Hospital. The news was announced by current President Samia Suluhu announced his death on the same day. Following the sad news, he was mourned by various world leaders including President Paul Kagame who ordered flags in Rwanda to fly at half-mast until Magufuli has been buried.
