Final goodbye: How Samia Suluhu’s husband was laid to rest in Zanzibar
By Ascah Mwango, September 8, 2026Tanzania’s First Gentleman Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, was laid to rest in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar, on Monday, September 7, hours after his death was announced.
Hafidh died at around 8 am while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar. His death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, who extended condolences to President Samia, her family and Tanzanians.
Burial arrangements were made immediately, with his final rites taking place later the same day in Kizimkazi, an area in South Unguja connected to his family.
Burial held hours after his death
Mourners gathered in Kizimkazi for the funeral of the late First Gentleman as preparations for his burial were completed in accordance with Islamic traditions.
Family members, religious leaders, government officials and political leaders attended the funeral prayers before Hafidh was laid to rest.
The burial was held on the same day as his death, following Islamic customs that require the deceased to be buried as soon as possible.
Hafidh’s final journey ended in Kizimkazi, where mourners gathered to pay their last respects and take part in the burial rites.
Grand Mufti leads funeral prayers
The funeral prayers were led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi.
Government, religious and political leaders joined members of Hafidh’s family during the funeral.
Among the leaders who attended were Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba.
Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete also attended the burial. Former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein were among the other senior leaders who joined the family and mourners.
The leaders attended the funeral prayers and burial as Hafidh was given his final farewell.
Leaders join family at the graveside
Senior government officials and family members accompanied Hafidh to his final resting place in Kizimkazi.
Images from the burial showed leaders taking part in the final rites at the graveside, including Vice President Ndejembi, who placed soil on the grave.
The burial brought together leaders from Tanzania and Zanzibar, as well as members of the public and religious leaders who had gathered to pay their respects.
Hafidh’s biography was also read during the funeral, highlighting his life, education and career.
He was born in Kisakasaka village in Unguja and spent much of his professional life working in education and agriculture.
A private life beside Tanzania’s first female president
Hafidh married President Samia in 1978, years before she entered the highest levels of Tanzanian politics.
The couple had four children together, and Hafidh became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in March 2021 after President Samia assumed office following the death of President John Magufuli.
President Samia became Tanzania’s first female president.
Despite his position as First Gentleman, Hafidh largely kept away from the public spotlight and maintained a low public profile.
According to information shared during his burial, he leaves behind two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.
Condolence messages follow his death
Following the announcement of his death, messages of condolence were sent to President Samia and her family by leaders in Tanzania and across the East African region.
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the leaders who mourned Hafidh, sending condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania.
Other regional leaders also sent messages following his death.
By Monday afternoon, Hafidh Ameir Hassan had been laid to rest in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, hours after Tanzania announced the death of its First Gentleman.
His burial brought his final rites to a close as family members, government leaders, religious leaders and mourners gathered in Zanzibar to pay their last respects.