By Rogers Wanambwa

KIU, Main Campus - In an address on state television, Tanzania's Vice President, Samia Suluhu Hassan, announced the death of President John Pombe Magufuli - who died on Wednesday 17th March from heart complications at a hospital in Dar-es-Salaam.�

Accordingly, Magufuli had not been seen in public for more than two weeks, and rumours have been circulating about his health.

Opposition politicians said last week that he had contracted COVID-19, but this has not been confirmed.

Magufuli was one of Africa's most prominent Coronavirus skeptics and called for prayers and herbal-infused steam therapy to counter the virus.

"It is with deep regret that I inform you that today... we lost our brave leader, the president of the Republic of Tanzania, John Pombe Magufuli," Vice-President Hassan said in the announcement.

She said there would be 14 days of national mourning and flags would fly at half-mast.

Besides, according to Tanzania's Constitution, Hassan is to be sworn in as the new president and should serve the remainder of Magufuli's five-year team which he began last year.

Although Magufuli had last been seen in public on 27th February, Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa insisted last week that the president was c��?healthy and working hard.c⬝

Magufuli will be remembered for his aggressive stance on Tanzania's development, being the president in office when Tanzania attained its middle-income status, and also his no-nonsense stance on corruption.�

May his soul Rest in Peace.�