The deceased vice-president of Tanzania’s semi-autonomous islands of Zanzibar will be buried on Thursday at his home village in Pemba Island.
Seif Sharif Hamad, popularly known as Maalim Seif, died on Wednesday – almost three weeks after his party said he had contracted Covid-19.
Hamad was the most prominent political figure in Tanzania to have openly declared that he had Covid-19.
Prayers have been held in Dar es Salaam where he died while undergoing treatment. Former Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete was in attendance.
Many people in Zanzibar are still in disbelief. People on social media have described him as a visionary leader who brought unity to the island.
In his home village, many shops remained closed for the better part of Wednesday after news of his death broke.
Transport services were overwhelmed as people rushed to travel to Pemba to pay their last respect.
