Edward Ngoyai Lowassa, the former prime minister of Tanzania, passed away after a protracted illness, and President William Ruto has expressed his condolences.
Lowassa, 70, passed away on Saturday at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, where he was receiving treatment for a variety of ailments, including hypertension, stomach ulcers, and lung problems.
On Sunday, Ruto took to X to honor the late leader for his accomplishments while in government.
"We honor the distinguished life that he led, his work, and the rich legacy that he leaves behind," wrote Ruto.
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Prime Minister Edward Lowassa was a respected and progressive leader who worked for the greater good of the people of Tanzania and the East African Region.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 11, 2024
We honour the distinguished life that he led, his work and the rich legacy that he leaves behind.
May God grant the… pic.twitter.com/SCWGP48zJI
He sympathized with the Tanzanian family and people for their loss of Lowassa.
Lowassa was President Jakaya Kikwete's prime minister from 2005 to 2008.
Following his resignation due to scandals, President Kikwete dissolved his Cabinet and appointed Mizengo Pinda as the new prime minister.
On Saturday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed her condolences to Lowassa's family, friends, and the public. She also proclaimed five days of national mourning.
As a result, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango ordered the Tanzanian national flag to fly at half-mast throughout the five days of mourning.
