Samia grieves Mhagama’s passing

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan yesterday led the nation in mourning the passing of Peramiho Member of Parliament, Jenista Mhagama, describing her as a dedicated public servant who served Tanzania with honour and distinction for nearly four decades.

The President said she received the news with deep shock and sadness, sharing the announcement through her official Instagram account.

“I have received with great sorrow the news of the passing of Honourable Jenista Joakim Mhagama, the MP for Peramiho,” President Samia wrote.

She extended her condolences to the Speaker of the National Assembly, the people of Peramiho and the family of the late lawmaker.

“I convey my sympathies to Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu, the residents of Peramiho and to her family, relatives and friends,” she said, noting that Mhagama’s political journey had left a lasting imprint on the nation.

“For 38 years, the late Mhagama served as a committed member of CCM, a youth leader, a women’s leader, a minister in various administrations and a mentor to many. May Almighty God rest her soul in eternal peace.”

In a separate statement released by the Parliament, Speaker Mussa Azzan Zungu also expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the veteran legislator.

“With great sorrow, I announce the passing of Jenista Joakim Mhagama, the MP for Peramiho, which occurred today (yesterday) in Dodoma,” the Speaker said in the statement.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to all Members of Parliament, the family of the deceased, relatives, friends and the people of Peramiho. May God grant them patience and strength during this difficult time,” reads part of the statement.

The late Mhagama, born on June 23, 1967, began her career as a schoolteacher before rising to senior leadership roles in government.

She served as Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Parliament, Labour, Youth and the Disabled), later as Minister of State in the President’s Office responsible for Public Service Management and Good Governance and ultimately as Minister for Health.

She earned widespread respect for her discipline, patriotism and dedication to strengthening public service institutions.

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In Parliament, she was known as a meticulous legislator who consistently championed national interests.

The Parliamentary Office, in collaboration with her family, has begun coordinating funeral arrangements.

Further details regarding the burial programme will be announced in due course. In Ruvuma, the residents have expressed shock and sadness over the passing of their representative in House.

One of close friend to the deceased, Ms Clecensia Kapainga said the news had deeply shaken the community.

“I received the news of Jenista’s death with great sorrow. She was my close friend and we worked together in various projects, she always guided me,” said Ms Kapainga .

She added: “On Tuesday, I spoke to her and she told me she was doing well and had gone to church. But today (yesterday) at around 8am, I received a call asking whether I had heard anything and that is when I was told she had passed away.” Ms Kapainga said the loss extended far beyond her personal grief.

“This is a huge blow… the late Mhagama never discriminated; she embraced everyone and worked tirelessly to help solve people’s problems,” she said.

Another Peramiho resident, Mr Dickson Mapunda, said the late MP was a gifted leader who regularly visited her constituents, listened to their concerns and worked tirelessly to address them.

“We have lost a strong pillar. She was a unique leader who cared for everyone,” he said.