The late Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan/HANDOUTThe burial of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu will be held today in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Ameir died on Monday morning at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was receiving treatment. His death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi.
According to reports from Tanzania, the burial was scheduled for 4pm local time in Kizimkazi, the family’s home area in southern Zanzibar.
Ameir, who became Tanzania’s First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in March 2021, largely maintained a low public profile. The burial comes hours after his death, with preparations taking place in Kizimkazi as Tanzania mourns the First Gentleman.
President William Ruto condoled with Tanzanian President Samia following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
In a message on Monday, Ruto expressed his condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania following the death of Hafidh.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Kenya, the First Lady, my family and on my own behalf, I convey our heartfelt condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania,” Ruto said.
Ruto described Hafidh as a lifelong companion to President Samia, a beloved father to their children and a distinguished son of Tanzania.
In his condolence message former President Uhuru Kenyatta said "It is with deep sadness that I express my heartfelt condolences to Her Excellency Dr. Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, on the passing of her beloved husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan. My family and I join the people of the United Republic of Tanzania in mourning this tragic loss. We pray that Almighty God grants President."
and her family strength, comfort, and peace during this moment of grief. May his soul rest in eternal peace."
Before becoming First Gentleman, Ameir was known primarily for his work in agriculture and academia.
He was described as an agriculturalist and retired agricultural officer from Zanzibar. Available biographical accounts identify him as an agricultural academic who kept a low profile even after his wife rose through Tanzania's political ranks.
His professional life was largely separate from the political career of his wife, allowing him to remain away from the intense public attention that accompanied her rise from government official to Tanzania's first female president.
Ameir married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, years before she entered the highest levels of Tanzania's political leadership.
The couple had four children; three sons and a daughter. Their daughter, Mwanu Hafidh Ameir, followed her mother's path into politics and has served in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Their nearly five-decade marriage continued through Suluhu's progression in public service, including her tenure as vice president and her eventual elevation to the presidency.
Ameir made history in March 2021 when Suluhu became president following the death of President John Magufuli.
Her assumption of the presidency created another first in Tanzania's political history: the country had its first First Gentleman.
The title is an unofficial designation for the husband of a serving president. Until Suluhu became president, the presidential spouse's role had been occupied by women and referred to as First Lady.
His position was unusual not only because he was the first man to occupy it, but also because he did not seek the public visibility often associated with presidential spouses.
