NAIROBI, Kenya, Sep 7 – President William Ruto has sent his condolences to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

📻 Breaking It Down

Ameir, Tanzania’s First Gentleman, died on Monday morning while receiving treatment for a heart condition in Zanzibar. His death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice-President Deogratius Ndejembi, who said he died at about 8am.

In a message of condolence, Ruto described Ameir’s death as a loss to President Samia, her family and Tanzania.

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

📌 What You Need to Know

The President conveyed condolences on behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, First Lady Rachel Ruto, his family and himself.

“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” he said, asking God to comfort President Samia and her family and grant Ameir eternal rest.

Ameir had largely remained outside the political spotlight despite his wife’s rise through Tanzania’s political ranks. He married Samia in 1978 and the couple had four children.

Their eldest daughter, Wanu Hafidh Ameir, is a politician who has served in both the Zanzibar House of Representatives and Tanzania’s National Assembly.

Ameir became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in March 2021 when Samia assumed the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.

Samia, who was serving as Magufuli’s vice-president, became Tanzania’s first woman president after taking the oath of office on March 19, 2021. She constitutionally succeeded Magufuli and completed the remainder of his second term.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya