Former AG Werema passes on

Former Attorney General (AG) Frederick Werema

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has sent her condolences following the death of Former Attorney General (AG) Frederick Werema (69) who died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam.

In her condolence message sent on X account, she consoled the family, Chief Justice, Attorney General, judges, relatives and friends of the deceased “I pray for you that God grants you patience and peace during this time of mourning and let him rest in eternal peace,” she stated.

Judge Werema served as Attorney General of Tanzania from 2009 until his resignation in 2014. Before his appointment Werema was High Court of Tanzania Judge in the Commercial Division.

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On his part, the incumbent Attorney General Hamza Johari over the phone to the ‘Daily News’ said: “We have received the sad news with shock.

We send our condolences to the family, relatives and Tanzanians at large to losing the Former Attorney General.

In a related development, President Samia Suluhu Hassan sent heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues over the passing of Judge of the Court of Appeal and a Member of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mwanaisha Kwariko.

The late Justice Mwanaisha Kwariko

In her message on Monday, the Head of State expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Justice Kwariko, whom she described as an esteemed judge.

Her message was delivered by the Prime Minister, Kassim Majaliwa, at the funeral held yesterday in Kondoa, Dodoma Region.

Addressing mourners who gathered at the late Justice Kwariko’s residence, the Premier said the fallen judge played a significant role in developing the nation through her tireless efforts in serving the judiciary and electoral systems.

“President Samia is deeply saddened by the passing of Justice Mwanaisha Kwariko, who was among the most capable and dedicated judges of our Court of Appeal.

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She served with integrity, diligence and professionalism in every position she held,” said Mr Majaliwa. He added that Justice Kwariko’s passing was a profound loss to Kondoa residents, the Tanzanian judiciary and NEC. “This loss is heavy for all of us.

Our responsibility now, as Tanzanians, members of the judiciary and NEC officials is to honour her legacy by continuing to uphold the values she stood for,” said Mr majaliwa.

Mr Majaliwa urged Tanzanians to cherish and build upon the exemplary service and contributions Justice Kwariko made during her career in public service.

In his tribute, Chief Justice of Tanzania, Professor Ibrahim Juma, praised Justice Kwariko’s unwavering commitment to upholding the rule of law and her dedication to serving the people.

“Justice Kwariko lived by the oath of judicial office. She served the nation by resolving disputes with fairness, impartiality and humanity.

Her life was dedicated to helping others, and for that, we remain grateful to the Almighty for her service,” said Professor Juma.

He said Justice Kwariko was widely respected for her impartial judgments and her ability to handle complex legal matters with clarity and professionalism.

On his part, the INEC chairman Justice (Rtd) Jacobs Mwambegele, expressed deep sadness over Justice Kwariko’s passing, noting that her contributions to the electoral body had been invaluable.

“We have lost Justice Mwanaisha at a critical time when INEC is in the middle of updating the permanent voter registerin preparation for the upcoming general elections. Her expertise and insights were instrumental in ensuring that INEC adhered to constitutional provisions, laws and regulations,” said Justice (rtd) Mwambegele.

He said INEC is currently in the eighth phase of updating the voter register and preparing for the ninth phase, which will cover Rukwa, Songwe, Njombe and Ruvuma regions.

He said Justice Kwariko’s counsel during the exercises was invaluable in ensuring efficiency and transparency in the electoral process.

Dodoma Regional Commissioner, Rosemary Senyamule, also paid tribute to Justice Kwariko, describing her as a staunch advocate for women’s empowerment and a leader with a strong sense of duty.

Justice Kwariko passed away on December 27, 2024 in India, where she had been receiving medical treatment.