Africa-Press – Tanzania. HUNDREDS of mourners, including government leaders, representatives of political parties, and heads of national and international institutions, have continued to stream to the home of the late Edwin Mtei in the Chama Tengeru area, Arumeru District, Arusha Region, to sign the condolence book.
Among the leaders who visited is the Governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), Emmanuel Tutuba.
The burial of the late Edwin Mtei, who was a founding member of the Chama cha Demokrasia na Maendeleo (CHADEMA) and its first National Chairman, is scheduled to take place tomorrow, January 24, 2026, at his home.
The burial has been described as inclusive, involving all Tanzanians—both politicians and non-politicians—as well as leaders from national and international institutions, many of whom have already confirmed their attendance.
Speaking on the loss, BoT Governor Emmanuel Tutuba said the bank’s leadership, management, and staff received the news with deep sorrow, noting that the late Mtei was Tanzania’s first Governor of the Bank of Tanzania from 1966 to 1974. He said Mtei served the nation with professionalism, integrity, trustworthiness, and a high sense of accountability.
Meanwhile, former CHADEMA National Chairman Freeman Mbowe dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that the party had been sidelined in the mourning process, including preparations for tomorrow’s burial.
Mbowe said the reports were inaccurate and should be ignored, emphasizing that the loss is for all Tanzanians and that CHADEMA has been fully involved.
Mbowe added that during the burial ceremony scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, leaders from the national, regional, and district government levels, political party leaders, the East African Community (EAC), and national and international institutions have confirmed their participation. He said each participant will be allowed to convey condolence messages as part of honoring the late Mtei.
CHADEMA Deputy National Chairman John Heche said the party has suffered a great loss following the death of its founder, who left behind strong foundations that made CHADEMA a solid and competitive political party in the country. He noted that the party is at the forefront of honoring the late Mtei and that the family has allowed CHADEMA to fully participate in the mourning and burial, including delivering condolence messages during the ceremony.
