By Swift Reporter
The husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, was last evening laid to rest in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, following his death at a hospital in Zanzibar.
Hafidh, who was 80, died on Monday, September 7, 2026, while undergoing treatment after battling heart disease for some time.
His burial brought together senior government officials, religious leaders, politicians and members of the First Family, as Tanzania bid farewell to a man who spent much of his life away from the political spotlight.
The funeral prayer was led by Zanzibar Grand Mufti Sheikh Saleh Omar Kaabi, with Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba among the senior officials in attendance.
The late Hafidh leaves behind two widows, four children and 15 grandchildren.
His official biography, read during the funeral by State House Communications Deputy Director Shabaan Kisu, confirmed that Hafidh had been receiving medical treatment for the condition before his death.
This means that while his long-running heart problem has been identified as the illness behind his hospitalisation, there is no official confirmation that he died specifically from a heart attack, cardiac arrest or another particular cardiac event.
Hafidh died while receiving treatment in Zanzibar, bringing an end to a life that stretched across education, teaching and agricultural service.
From Teacher To Agricultural Specialist | Who Was Hafidh?
Born on January 1, 1946, in Kisakasaka village in Unguja’s Urban West Region, Hafidh began his education at Kombeni Shakani School, where he completed primary school in 1960.
He later attended Tumekuja Secondary School in Mkunazini and graduated in 1965.
His professional journey initially took him into teaching.
In 1970, he joined Zanzibar Teachers’ College and graduated in 1973 before being employed as a teacher in various schools across Tanzania.
But Hafidh would later develop a strong interest in agriculture, a field that would define much of his professional career.
In 1980, he was selected to study agriculture at Uyole Agricultural College in Mbeya.
Two years later, he became an agriculture instructor at Fidel Castro School in Pemba.
His pursuit of further education continued when he travelled to Sri Lanka in 1986 to study agriculture, specialising in coconut farming. He graduated with a diploma in 1988 before returning to Zanzibar and resuming work with the Ministry of Agriculture.
Still determined to advance his qualifications, Hafidh travelled to Britain in 1990, where he pursued a master’s degree in agricultural machinery engineering.
He returned to Zanzibar after completing his studies and continued working with the Ministry of Agriculture until his retirement in 2005.
Retirement, however, did not end his connection to education.
He continued teaching at Kizimbani Agricultural College in Unguja, maintaining his involvement in agricultural training until later in life.
The Man Behind Tanzania’s First Family
Hafidh became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in 2021 when President Samia took over the presidency following the death of President John Magufuli.
Despite occupying a unique position as the husband of Tanzania’s first female president, Hafidh largely maintained a private life and rarely sought the political spotlight.
His death has therefore brought renewed public attention to the man who spent decades building a career in education and agriculture before becoming part of Tanzania’s First Family.
President Samia and Hafidh had four children — three sons and a daughter — with their daughter serving as a member of Tanzania’s Parliament.
The announcement of Hafidh’s death prompted condolences from leaders across East Africa.
Kenyan President William Ruto described him as President Samia’s lifelong companion and a beloved father to their children.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye also sent condolences to President Samia, the family and the people of Tanzania.
At the burial in Kizimkazi, the gathering included retired President Jakaya Kikwete, former Zanzibar presidents Amani Abeid Karume and Ali Mohammed Shein, former Zanzibar First Vice President Othman Masoud Othman, Zanzibar Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdullah and several ministers and senior government officials.
As Hafidh was lowered into his final resting place, attention shifted from his public identity as Tanzania’s First Gentleman to the legacy of a teacher, agricultural specialist, husband, father and grandfather whose final years were marked by a battle with heart disease.
For President Samia and her family, the burial marked the end of a deeply personal chapter following the loss of the man who had been her husband and companion long before she became Tanzania’s president.
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