AfricaPress-Tanzania: THE fifth President John Magufuli will be laid to rest Friday at 3:00 p.m local time at Kilimani village in Chato District Dodoma Region, the State announced Thursday.
President Samia Suluhu Hassan is expected to lead the nation when the iconic leader is buried next to his father, Joseph Magufuli. Most State leaders have arrived in the northwest town of Chato to honour the fallen President. Former President Jakaya Kikwete is expected to deliver a keynote address.
Other leaders inline includes Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa, National Assembly Speaker Job Ndugai and Chief Justice Prof Ibrahim Juma, among others, who will deliver condolence messages. The casket carrying the body of President Magufuli has been taken to the family house for the last time.
Minister of State Prime Minister’s Office Policy, Parliamentary Affairs, Labour, Employment, Youth and the Disabled Jenista Mhagama said there will be a private family service early Friday before the body arrives at the Magufuli ground for a special requiem. “The funeral mass will be led by several bishops,” she said.
It has already been confirmed Bishop Severine Niwemugiza of Rulenge Diocese inNgara will be among the bishops. A special family requiem will be headed by Priest SospeterTibaijuka of the Chato Parish.
A timetable released by the government said the private service is planned between 8:30 a.m and 9:00 a.m local time. The general public and mourners attending the funeral service will be arriving at Magufuli grounds from 6:00 a.m.
HERE IS THE TIMETABLE
5:30 a.m. Journalists arrive at the Magufuli ground
6:00 a.m. Mourners arrive at the ground for a state funeral requiem.
7:00 a.m. Officialsarrive at Magufuli ground
8:00 a.m. PresidentSamia Suluhu Hassan arrives at the Magufuli ground
8:30 a.m. a private family service at a church he constructed in Chato
9:00 a.m. The body of President Magufuli arrive at Magufuli ground for a state funeral requiem
12:00 p.m. PrimeMinister Kassim Majaliwa to give an introduction statement
12:30 p.m. Leadersoffer condolence messages
01:00 p.m. PresidentSamia Suluhu Hassan to address mourners and the nation
02:00 p.m. former first lady, Janeth Magufuli depart to the Family cemetery
02:10 p.m. State leaders head to the family cemetery
02:30 p.m. The body of late President Magufuli arrive at the family cemetery
