CS Joho and MP Sudi Deliver Ruto’s Condolences to Tanzania’s President Samia

 After Husband’s DeathDar es Salaam / Nairobi — September 8, 2026Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Hassan Ali Joho, accompanied by Kapseret Member of Parliament Oscar Sudi, on Tuesday delivered President William Ruto’s message of condolence and encouragement to Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan following the death of her husband, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

In a statement shared on his official X account, Joho described the visit as a “solemn opportunity” to convey Kenya’s solidarity.“I had the solemn opportunity to deliver H.E. President Dr. William Ruto’s message of condelence and encouragement to H.E. Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, following the passing of her beloved husband, Mzee Hafidh Ameir Hassan,” Joho said.

“Accompanied by Hon. Oscar Sudi, I assured H.E. President Samia and her family of our thoughts and prayers as they navigate this painful period. May the Almighty Allah SWT grant the departed eternal rest and give H.E. President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania fortitude, comfort and peace during this difficult time.”

Photos released with the statement show Joho and Sudi seated with President Samia in a formal meeting room decorated with Tanzanian flags.Hafidh Ameir Hassan, Tanzania’s First Gentleman, died on Monday morning, September 7, 2026, at approximately 8:00 a.m. local time while receiving treatment for a heart condition at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.

He was 76. Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi announced the death and expressed condolences to President Samia, her family, and the nation. In line with Islamic tradition, he was buried the same day in Kizimkazi, South Unguja, Zanzibar. Senior Tanzanian leaders, including Vice President Ndejembi, Zanzibar President Hussein Ali Mwinyi, and Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba, attended the funeral.

Joho and Sudi also represented Kenya at the burial.Hafidh Ameir was an agriculturalist and academic who largely maintained a low public profile. He married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978; the couple had four children. He became Tanzania’s first First Gentleman when Samia assumed the presidency in March 2021 following the death of President John Magufuli.

President Ruto had earlier expressed “deep sorrow” at the news, describing Hafidh as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a beloved father, and a distinguished son of Tanzania. Other regional leaders, including those from Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Zambia, also sent messages of condolence.

The visit by Joho and Sudi underscores the close ties between Kenya and Tanzania as the neighbouring countries stand with President Samia and her family during this period of mourning.