Hundreds bid farewell to Mungai in Dar

 

PRESIDENT John Magufuli Yesterday noon led hundreds of mourners in Dar es Salaam to pay their last respects to the former cabinet Minister Mr Joseph Mungai.

Mungai, 73, a long serving MP for Mufindi, died suddenly on Tuesday evening after he abruptly fell sick. 

 

He will be buried on Saturday afternoon at his home village in Mufindi District, Iringa. Other top government officials who paid their respects were retired President Benjamin Mkapa, retired Vice- President Dr Gharib Bilal, former First Lady Salma Kikwete and Chama Cha Mapinduzi Vice- Chairman Philip Mangula.

Delivering the government message the Minister for Foreign Affairs, East African, Regional and International Cooperation, Dr Augustine Mahiga, said Mungai taught others a true meaning of being a leader.

Dr Mahiga said the veteran politician also taught about leadership skills saying should not be taken for granted rather should be well interpreted to benefit those around you. Born in 1943, Mungai is survived by a widow and seven children.

He served as the MP for Mufindi for 35 years and held various cabinet positions. He was minister of Agriculture (1972-75 and 1980-82) under former President Julius Nyerere.

In November 2000, he was appointed Minister for Education and Culture by former President Benjamin Mkapa.

In October 2006 to February 2008 he served as the Minister for Home Affairs under Jakaya Kikwete.