The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
The remains of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, will be laid to rest today in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
Ameir died on Monday morning at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been undergoing treatment. His death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi.
According to reports from Tanzania, the burial ceremony was scheduled for 4 p.m. local time in Kizimkazi, the family’s ancestral home in southern Zanzibar. Preparations for the funeral were underway as the country mourned the death of the First Gentleman.
Ameir became Tanzania’s First Gentleman in March 2021, following President Samia’s assumption of office after the death of President John Magufuli. Despite his wife’s prominent political position, he largely stayed away from the public spotlight.
Ruto, Uhuru Send Condolences
Kenyan President William Ruto sent his condolences to President Samia, her family and the people of Tanzania following Ameir’s death.
In a message issued on Monday, Ruto said: “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 described Ameir as President Samia’s lifelong companion, a beloved father and a distinguished Tanzanian.
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta also mourned Ameir’s death, expressing sympathy to President Samia and her family.
“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,” Kenyatta said.
He added that his family joined Tanzanians in mourning the loss and prayed for President Samia and her family to receive strength, comfort and peace during the difficult period.
Ameir’s Life Away From Politics
Before becoming First Gentleman, Ameir was best known for his career in agriculture and academia. He was an agriculturalist and retired agricultural officer from Zanzibar.
Biographical accounts describe him as an agricultural academic who maintained a relatively private life even as his wife rose through Tanzania’s political ranks. His professional career largely remained separate from President Samia’s political journey, allowing him to avoid much of the public attention surrounding her rise to the presidency.
Ameir married Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978, long before she reached 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 into politics and has served in the Zanzibar House of Representatives.
Their marriage lasted for nearly five decades and continued through President Samia’s progression in public service, including her tenure as vice president and her eventual rise to the presidency.
Tanzania’s First First Gentleman
Ameir made history in March 2021 when his wife became president following the death of President John Magufuli. Her elevation made her Tanzania’s first female president and, consequently, made Ameir the country’s first First Gentleman.
The term “First Gentleman” is an unofficial title used for the husband of a serving female president. Before Samia became president, Tanzania’s presidential spouses had traditionally been women and were referred to as First Ladies.
Ameir’s position was notable not only because he was the first man to hold the role, but also because he chose to maintain a low profile rather than pursue the public visibility often associated with presidential spouses.
