Cassypool visits grieving Samia Suluhu at State House Tanzania after husband’s death
By Steve Ireri, September 9, 2026Social media personality Cassypool has visited grieving Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan at State House in Tanzania following the death and burial of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
Cassypool joined Tanzanian politicians, artistes and other mourners who gathered to console Samia following the death of the 80-year-old First Gentleman, who was laid to rest on Monday, September 7, 2026, at the family’s private residence in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
The Kenyan social media personality shared photographs from his visit, showing him alongside Tanzanian personalities as they stood with Samia during the difficult period following the loss of her husband of nearly five decades.
In his message, Cassypool extended his condolences to Samia, her family and all those affected by Hafidh’s death, saying he was conveying the message on behalf of his own family as well as young people across East Africa.
Cassypool also acknowledged the wider regional impact of the loss, extending his sympathies to Hafidh’s relatives, friends and everyone who had been touched by his death.
“Balozi wa Mazingira Tanzania ndugu Michaelmsechu akiwa na wasanii kutoka @lamataleah katika kutoa pole kwa Mhe Rais Dkt @samia_suluhu_hassan Kizimkazi pamoja na mzalendo kutoka Kenya @cassypoolcapon,” he wrote.
He further turned to prayer, asking Allah to forgive the late First Gentleman, have mercy on him and grant him eternal rest in Jannatul Firdaus.
He prayed for strength and patience for the bereaved family, asking God to give Samia and those close to her the fortitude to endure the difficult period following Hafidh’s death.
“@cassypoolcapon 🙏Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Natoa Salamu Zangu Za Pole Na Rambirambi Kwa Niaba Ya Familia Yangu Pamoja Na Vijana Wa Afrika Mashariki, Kwa Familia, Ndugu, Jamaa Na Wote Walioguswa Na Msiba Huu. Tunamuomba Allah (SWT) Amsamehe Marehemu, Amrehemu Na Amjaalie Apumzike Katika Jannatul Firdaus,” he wrote.
CassyPool ended his message by once again extending his condolences to the family and praying that they would receive patience, comfort and strength as they mourned their loss.
“Awape Subira, Nguvu Na Moyo Wa Uvumilivu Wafiwa Na Wote Walio Karibu Nao Katika Kipindi Hiki Kigumu. Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilayhi Raji’un. Mwenyezi Mungu Awape Subira Na Faraja,” he added.
Islamic burial
His visit came shortly after Hafidh was laid to rest in accordance with Islamic burial traditions that call for swift interment following death.
The First Gentleman was buried at around 4:00 pm the same day after Asr prayers, bringing to an end a day marked by mourning and a heavy political and public presence in Zanzibar.
His funeral brought together senior figures from Tanzania’s political establishment, including Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba and Vice President Ndejembi.
Former Tanzanian leaders Jakaya Kikwete, Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein also attended the burial, joining the family and other mourners in paying their final respects to Hafidh.
Kenya was also represented at the funeral, with Mining Cabinet Secretary Hassan Joho and MP Oscar Sudi travelling to Zanzibar to attend the burial of Tanzania’s First Gentleman.
Hafidh had maintained a notably low public profile despite his wife’s rise through Tanzania’s political ranks and eventual ascent to the presidency in 2021.
The retired officer and agricultural academic had been married to Samia since 1978, with their union spanning almost 50 years before his death.
Hafidh is survived by two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren, with his daughter Mwanu Hafidh Ameir serving as a member of the Zanzibar House of Representatives.