Lowassa funeral procession brings Arusha to standstill

ARUSHA: ARUSHA Region came to a stand still on Thursday as the body of former Prime Minister Edward Lowassa, arrived in his ancestral roots, ready for burial in Monduli District tomorrow.

At around 11 hours morning, a Fokker 50, flight 5H-TGF, owned by the Tanzania Flight Agency, which carried the body of the late Lowassa, landed at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) from Dar es Salaam.

Various people led by Arusha Regional Commissioner (RC) John Mongella, accompanied by several district commissioners, religious leaders, musicians, senior military officers from the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) and other security and defence organs were at the airport to receive the body.

Engulfed with sadness, widow of the late Lowassa, Mama Regina and her children emerged from the plane of vehicle.

The convoy of motorcade traversed the 47 – kilometre road from KIA to Arusha City centre, where thousands of mourners lined up to have a glimpse of the motorcade, including offering final goodbye to their beloved fallen leader.

For some, it was unbearable moment and indeed, several women failed to hold themselves as they burst into tears, while others waved handkerchiefs and tree branches, while others laid down their khangas for the convoy to drive on.

Some people held placards that read ‘Thank you Lowassa for your contribution to development.’ Crowd swelled at Maji ya Chai, USA River Tengeru, Kimandolu, Phillips, Sanawari, Mianzini all the way to Ngarenaro area as the convoy drove to Monduli. Motorcyclists popularly known as ‘bodaboda’ riders joined the convoy, in respect to the man they called their hero.

Speaking to the ‘Daily News’ yesterday, a resident of Arusha City, Mr Greyson Msuya said Lowassa left a huge vacuum and an indelible mark in the country because he always stood firm in defence of the country’s interests.

“We will remember Lowassa, because he fulfilled his duties and fought for the interests of the common people. Lowassa initiated water project from Lake Victoria to Shinyanga, Mwanza and Tabora regions,” Mr Msuya said.

Another resident of Arusha, Amina Emanuel said that Lowassa left a legacy in education sector, saying he was a pioneer of community-based secondary schools in every ward.

“Lowassa fought for the poor to make sure that secondary schools were available at every ward. He did a lot of things in Arusha… we are very hurt by this tragedy and we pray to God for his soul to rest in eternal peace,” Ms Amina said.

It took almost three hours for the convoy to arrive in Monduli, where a mammoth crowd turned up to receive the body of former area legislator.

In fact, since early hours of yesterday, residents of Monduli started showing up in large numbers at the home of the late Prime Minister, ready to receive his body.

Lowassa was the Member of Parliament for Monduli for more than 15 years.