Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan Laid to Rest in Zanzibar

Tanzania's First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was laid to rest in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar, on Monday, September 7, hours after his death was announced.

Hafidh died at around 8am while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

His death was announced by Tanzania's Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, who conveyed condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.

Burial arrangements were made shortly after his death, with family members and national leaders gathering in Kizimkazi for funeral prayers and the final rites.

Burial Held on Day of Death

Hafidh was buried on the same day he died, in accordance with Islamic traditions that call for the deceased to be laid to rest as soon as possible.

Family members, religious leaders, government officials and political figures gathered in Kizimkazi to participate in the funeral prayers and burial ceremony.

The final journey ended in Kizimkazi, an area in South Unguja with a connection to Hafidh's family.

Grand Mufti Leads Funeral Prayers

The funeral prayers were led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi.

Several senior Tanzanian and Zanzibar leaders attended the ceremony, including Vice President Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.

Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete also attended, alongside former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein.

The leaders joined Hafidh's family and members of the public in offering their final respects.

At the graveside, senior government officials and family members participated in the final burial rites. Images from the ceremony showed Vice President Ndejembi among those placing soil on the grave.

A biography of Hafidh was also read during the funeral, highlighting his background, education and professional career.

Life in Education and Agriculture

Hafidh was born in Kisakasaka village in Unguja and spent much of his professional life working in education and agriculture.

Despite becoming Tanzania's First Gentleman after his wife assumed the presidency, Hafidh largely maintained a private life away from the political spotlight.

He married Samia in 1978, long before she rose to the highest office in Tanzania.

The couple had four children together. Hafidh became Tanzania's First Gentleman in March 2021, following Samia's assumption of the presidency after the death of President John Magufuli.

President Samia became Tanzania's first female president.

According to information shared during the funeral, Hafidh leaves behind two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.

Regional Leaders Send Condolences

News of Hafidh's death prompted messages of condolence from leaders in Tanzania and across the East African region.

Kenyan President William Ruto was among those who mourned Hafidh, extending condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.

Other regional leaders also sent messages of sympathy following the announcement of his death.

Hafidh's burial in Kizimkazi brought together Tanzania's political leadership, religious authorities, family members and members of the public as they paid their final respects to the First Gentleman.

His death marks the end of a largely private life alongside Tanzania's first female president, with his legacy remembered through his family, professional career and role as the country's First Gentleman.