AfricaPress-Tanzania: FOLLOWING the death of President John Magufuli on Wednesday, authorities in Mbeya Region have organised prayers which will bring together members of the public from various religious denominations.
Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Albert Chalamila made the remarks when he addressed journalists saying the prayers will be held at the Sokoine Memorial Stadium in the city.
RC Chalamila said apart from praying for President Magufuli, mourners will also pray for top government officials including Vice President Samia Suluhu Hassan so that she becomes able to handle the funerals.
“I call upon people of Mbeya to remain calm as we wait for burial date details, but let me inform you that we have prepared prayers for our departed Head of State,” he said.
He called upon the residents to follow the announcement by VP Suluhu that there will be 14 days of mourning and flags would fly at half mast.
Interviewed, one of the traders in Mbeya city, Amani Mwangupili said President Magufuli was a leader who was very concerned with hawkers and petty traders conducting business at bus stops and other open spaces.
He said the former President wanted petty traders to be allowed to conduct business in restricted areas to earn a living.
“We thank God for his life; he was a good man,” he said, calling upon other leaders to embrace all the good things Magufuli did during his tenure in office.
President Magufuli died aged 61 due to heart complications at Mzena hospital in Dar es Salaam.
The former president had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours had been circulating about his health.
Announcing his death, VP Suluhu said: “It is with deep regret that I inform you that today… we lost our brave leader, the president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli.”
