HAFIDH AMEIR LAID TO REST IN ZANZIBAR AS JOHO, OSCAR SUDI REPRESENT RUTO AT SAMIA’S HUSBAND’S FUNERAL

Hafidh Ameir Hassan Laid to Rest in Zanzibar as Joho, Sudi Represent Ruto

Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has been laid to rest in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, following his death on Monday while receiving treatment for a heart condition.

Hafidh died at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, with Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announcing his death on September 7, 2026. He was the first man to serve as Tanzania’s First Gentleman after Samia became the country’s first female president in 2021. 

The burial took place in Kizimkazi, the family’s home area in southern Zanzibar, shortly after his death in accordance with Islamic funeral rites. The funeral prayers were led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, with several senior Tanzanian leaders attending the final send-off. 

Kenya was represented at the funeral by Mining and Blue Economy Cabinet Secretary Ali Hassan Joho and Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, who travelled to Tanzania to convey President William Ruto’s message of condolence to President Samia and her family.

Joho said he had the solemn responsibility of delivering Ruto’s message of sympathy and encouragement to the Tanzanian leader during the difficult period.
Accompanied by Sudi, Joho assured President Samia and her family that Kenya stood with them in their grief and continued to keep them in its thoughts and prayers. 

Ruto had earlier expressed his condolences following Hafidh’s death, describing him as President Samia’s lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished son of Tanzania.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” Ruto said in his condolence message. 

Regional leaders attend funeral
The burial brought together senior Tanzanian political and religious leaders, including Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete and former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein were also among those present. 

Hafidh largely maintained a private life despite his wife’s rise to the presidency. He was known as an agriculturalist and retired agricultural officer and had been married to President Samia since 1978. The couple had four children. 

Joho, in his message to President Samia, prayed for strength, comfort and peace for the Tanzanian leader, her family and the people of Tanzania as they mourned the loss.
The funeral has also underscored the close relations between Kenya and Tanzania, with President Ruto sending senior representatives to stand with Tanzania during the period of national mourning.