Africa-Press – Tanzania. President Samia Suluhu Hassan has led mourners led mourners in paying their last respects to the fallen Defence and National Service Minister, Elias Kwandikwa who passed away earlier this week in Dar es Salaam.
Speaking at Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam on Friday, the President said the death of Mr Kwandikwa was “a big blow” since the country has lost a hard working leader.
“When I was still the Vice President I had a tour with a couple of ministers including Mr Kwandikwa. None of them (ministers) stayed until the end of the tour other than Mr Kwandikwa. He was listening tentatively and working hard,” the Head of State told the mourners.
She conveyed Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s condolences to the family of the deceased and Tanzanians at large.
“I got the news about the death while I was in Rwanda with Paul Kagame…it was very shocking and sad news for all of us,” she stated.
Meanwhile, Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Mwinyi described Kwandikwa as a leader who was cooperative and disciplined.
“I remember that he was the first minister who paid me a visit immediately after his appointment. He came to Zanzibar to discuss issues of Security and safety of our country,” President Mwinyi said.
On his part, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Venance Mabeyo said the fallen Kwadikwa had a unique attitude of working which led him to win the fifth phase President’s trust.
“We, who have worked with him, are witnesses of his noble service, politeness and humbleness. He worked hard and was ready to learn at all times,” General Mabeyo added.
