THE Vice-President Philip Mpango and Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa on Wednesday led hundreds of mourners to pay last respects to long-serving politician, Augustino Mrema, who passed away last Sunday.
The departed leader, who was former Tanzania Labour Party (TLP) national chairman, will be laid to rest today at his home village of Kiraracha in Kilimanjaro region.
The veteran politician, who had also served in different government top positions, passed away at the age of 77 at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in Dar es Salaam while undergoing treatment.
Dr Mpango, who was accompanied by his wife, Mbonimpaye, arrived at home of the deceased earlier yesterday morning at Salasala suburb in Dar es Salaam, where they offered their last respects.
While at the home, the Vice -President sent his condolences to the family, friends and relatives and asked them to be patient during this difficult time.
“The late Mrema was a true and patriotic leader for the nation. He had always defended the country’s interests,” the VP eulogised him.
Dr Mpango further added that the nation has lost a leader who served well all positions he ever led during his life.
On his part, speaking during the requiem mass for the late Mrema at the Saint Augustino Catholic Church Parish at Salasala in Dar es Salaam, Prime Minister Majaliwa said he will remember the political as an exemplary leader and the champion of multiparty system in the country.
“Mr Mrema will be remembered as a veteran politician and the leader of the TLP … he helped the government to find a proper direction for political parties,” he pointed out.
The Prime Minister further said the veteran politician has to be honoured in two major areas including his exemplary leadership in government and in politics.
Regarding the burial, which would be held today, the Prime Minister stated that the government will be represented by the Minister of State in the Prime minister’s Office Policy, Parliament and Coordination, Mr George Simbachawene together with Home Affairs Minister Hamad Masauni.
Speaking on behalf of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), the head of the administration of police, DCP Anthony Luta, said the Police Force will continue to remember the late Mrema for several matters, including his efforts to establish community policing that is commonly known by its Swahili acronym as ‘Sungusungu’.
He elaborated that his move played a critical role in containing crime at the community level, adding that the construction of small Police Stations and the defense of women’s rights led to the current establishment of Gender Desks in police stations.
In a related development, the parish priest of the church, Father Peter Assenga, said the contribution of the late Mrema will continue to be remembered by the parishioners, especially his volunteering spirit in many things.
Assistant Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, Mhashamu Henry Mchamungu said the big crowd turning up in the church was a clear sign that the late Mrema lived harmoniously with people including government leaders and political parties.
The requiem mass for the late Mrema was led by one Bishop and six priests, whilst some of the leaders,who attended included the former Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye, Home Affairs Minister Hamad Rashid, CUF National Chairman Prof Ibrahim Lipumba.
Other veteran politicians, who were in attendance, were John Cheyo, Steven Wassira, James Mbatia, and Joseph Selasini.
Until his death, Mr Mrema was also the Chairman of the Parole Board, having been appointed to the position for the first time in 2016 by the late President John Magufuli.
He served in various positions within the government during the single-party system before he rose to become the Minister for Home Affairs between 1990 and 1994.
Owing to his unwavering crackdown on corruption and crime, former President Ali Hassan Mwinyi ‘awarded’ him with the title of Deputy Prime Minister even though the position was not provided for in the constitution of Tanzania.
