AfricaPress-Tanzania: Emotions ran wild at Uhuru Stadium Saturday during a state funeral of President John Magufuli as hundreds of mourners fainted, while Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa failing to control his tears in a heartbreaking ceremony.
Thousands waved and cheered along the routes from St Peters catholic church to the country’s prominent stadium. Immediately after the service led by Dar es Salaam’s Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi, President Samia Suluhu Hassan headed mourners to pay last respect to the iconic hero.
“Magufuli loved the country. He was a very strong leader who gave me strength especially during the first outbreak of coronavirus pandemic,” said Ummy Mwalimu, Minister of State in the Vice President’s Office charged with Union and Environment affairs.
Magufuli’s widow, Mama Janeth wailed throughout the service. Ushers and Polycarp Cardinal Pengo were within zero-miles to assist in an event she fails to budge.
The casket of President Magufuli will remain in Dar es Salaam for two days before it is airlifted to Dodoma for the national state funeral service.
Leaders from five countries had confirmed their attendance as of the afternoon on Saturday, according to the Chief Government Spokesperson Dr Hassan Abbas.
