Mpango leads Tanzanians to bid final respects to former President Mwinyi

 Esther Takwa

DAR ES SALAAM: Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango led citizens in paying their last respects to the

late politician, Tanzania’s second President Ali Hassan Mwinyi, at Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

He advised wananchi to remember him by promoting the Kiswahili language the way he did.

Addressing the multitudes gathered at the stadium to mourn the late President, Dr. Mpango shared that the former President, who passed away in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, taught him to differentiate some Kiswahili words like ‘Onesha na onyesha,’ which can be literally translated as ‘show and warn’ respectively.

“He loved and promoted the Kiswahili language so much, teaching it fluently and ensuring its recognition and international use. He was determined to promote the language and corrected those who made mistakes,” the Vice President said.

Additionally, he applauded Mwinyi for his determination in promoting the Union while calling him a true leader.

Speaking earlier, the third President, Jakaya Kikwete, hailed Mr. Mwinyi as the father of political, social, and economic reforms in the country.

“Though his main trait was that he listened to advice, whenever he wanted to do something, he did it. He stood firm in his beliefs. Whatever was best for the interest of the nation, you couldn’t convince him otherwise,” Dr. Kikwete said.