President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have sent their condolences to Tanzania following the passing of her second president, Ali Hassan Mwinyi, who died on Thursday aged 98.

Mwinyi passed away at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam after battling lung cancer.

Speaking on his X platform, President Ruto praised Mwinyi as a “great leader whose rich legacy will never fade,” extending his sympathies to President Samia Suluhu and the people of Tanzania. 

On his part, Raila Odinga described Mwinyi as a great African leader and statesman.


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As a result, Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu has declared seven days of mourning to honor Mwinyi’s contributions.

In a televised address, Suluhu announced that the national flag would be flown at half-mast, starting Friday during the mourning period as a tribute to Mwinyi’s life and his contributions to Tanzania.

President Suluhu extended her condolences to Mwinyi’s family, friends, and the entire nation, describing his passing as a significant loss.

“The late former President Mwinyi had been receiving treatment since November last year in London, England, before returning to the country. He continued his treatment at Mzena Hospital until today when he passed away,” she said

Mwinyi’s final resting place will be in Zanzibar, with funeral arrangements to be announced later, President Suluhu confirmed.

Before his presidency, Mwinyi held significant positions, including Interior Minister and Vice President. He also chaired the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), from 1990 to 1996.