President Samia eulogizes Cleopa Msuya

MWANGA, KILIMANJARO: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan on Tuesday described the burial of former Prime Minister and First Vice President Cleopa David Msuya as a moment of deep personal fulfillment, having executed two major wishes he had requested during their last meetings.

Speaking at the state farewell ceremony and church service in Mwanga District, President Samia said that during her three recent encounters with Mzee Msuya in 2022, 2023, and 2024, Msuya had made requests in two final development priorities for the people of Kilimanjaro: the Same–Mwanga–Korogwe Water Project and the construction of the CD Msuya Bypass Road.

“I last saw him during the 2025 water project inauguration in Mwanga,” President Samia recalled. “He could no longer walk, but he made it there to witness the realization of a dream he had long held.”

She noted that progress on the CD Msuya road was also well underway, with several bridges completed in the first phase and construction continuing in the second.

 “When we met in Mwanga, he shook my hand and said, ‘Thank you very much. You have fulfilled all my wishes,’” she said.

Furthermore, President Samia shared that during consultations for the new National Development Vision 2050, Msuya had emphasized the need for courage and boldness among leaders in initiating and executing national projects that directly benefit citizens.

“There is so much to learn from Mzee Msuya’s leadership. He stood firm in what he believed, worked with honesty, patriotism, and discipline, and valued professional advice in making tough decisions. He embraced change and was never afraid to adapt, she said.”

The President also pledged government support to complete a health center under construction in Mwanga District, which will be named in Msuya’s honor. She called on residents to join hands in finalizing the project as it was requested by the late Mzee Msuya.

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On his part, Vice President Dr. Philip Mpango remembered Msuya as a leader who believed in grassroots engagement and urged leaders to go to the people, listen, and act on their concerns.

Former President Jakaya Kikwete described Msuya as a mentor who guided him during his early days as Finance Minister.

He recalled being tasked by then-President Ali Hassan Mwinyi to restore donor confidence in Tanzania during a time of financial strain.

“He became my teacher,” Kikwete said, “He taught me how to negotiate with major development partners and global financial institutions after a freeze in aid due to revenue collection issues.”

Chief Justice Prof. Ibrahim Hamis Juma described Msuya as a resilient and courageous leader whom both the Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, and President Mwinyi relied upon for critical assignments.

“He was entrusted with some of the toughest tasks because of his patience, strength, and commitment to service,” said Prof. Juma, urging leaders to study Msuya’s life for inspiration and guidance.

The farewell service was held at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Mwanga, led by Bishop Dr. Alex Malasusa, and attended by national and religious leaders, including Zanzibar President Dr. Hussein Ali Mwinyi, Vice President Dr.Philip Mpango, Zanzibar’s Second Vice President Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, and Speaker of Parliament Dr. Tulia Ackson.

The late Cleopa Msuya is set to be laid to rest today at his home in Chomvu Village, Usangi, in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region