President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s Husband Dies
Tanzania’s First Gentleman, Hafidh Ameir Hassan, the husband of President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died.
Hassan passed away on the morning of Monday, September 7, 2026, while undergoing treatment for a heart-related illness at a hospital in Zanzibar.
The death was announced by Tanzania’s Vice President, Deogratius Ndejembi, who confirmed that the First Gentleman died at around 8:00 am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he had been receiving medical care.
In his announcement, Ndejembi informed Tanzanians of the death with deep sadness and extended his condolences to President Samia, the family, relatives, friends and the people of Tanzania.
“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Honourable Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of the President of the United Republic of Tanzania, Honourable Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan,” the Vice President said.
Ndejembi added that Hassan died at approximately 8:00 am on Monday while being treated for heart disease at the Zanzibar-based hospital.
The Vice President also confirmed that preparations for the funeral had already started, with burial arrangements being organised in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar.
“I extend my condolences to the Honourable President, his family, relatives and friends, and all Tanzanians on this loss. Funeral arrangements are currently being made in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar,” Ndejembi stated.
Hafidh Ameir Hassan and President Samia Suluhu Hassan got married in 1978 and remained together for many years. The couple was blessed with four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who followed her mother into public service and is a politician and Member of Parliament in Tanzania.
Despite being married to one of Tanzania’s most prominent political figures, Hassan largely stayed away from the public spotlight. He was known as a private person who preferred to keep his personal life away from media attention and rarely attended public events.
Hassan was also an accomplished scholar with a background and expertise in agriculture. Unlike many spouses of political leaders, he maintained a relatively low public profile during his wife’s time in office.
He was particularly known for avoiding unnecessary publicity and keeping his personal affairs away from social media. As a result, many Tanzanians knew very little about his private life, even though he was the husband of the country’s president.
His death has since attracted messages of sympathy from leaders across the region, with several political figures expressing their condolences to President Samia and her family.
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the leaders who sent a message of condolence following the announcement of Hassan’s death.
Ruto said he had received the news with deep sorrow and described Hassan as a beloved father and a distinguished son of Tanzania.
“I have received with deep sorrow the news of the passing of Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Her Excellency Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President further expressed solidarity with Tanzania during the difficult period, saying Kenya was standing with its neighbours as they mourned the loss.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief. May Almighty God comfort President Samia and her family, give them strength through this difficult time, and grant Hafidh Ameir Hassan eternal rest,” Ruto added.
The death of Hassan comes as a major loss to President Samia and her family, as well as to those who knew the First Gentleman during his private life. Funeral arrangements are expected to continue in Kizimkazi, Zanzibar, as Tanzania prepares to honour and bid farewell to the late Hafidh Ameir Hassan.
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