DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Hafidh Ameir Hassan, husband of Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, has died, as Tanzania’s Vice President Deogratius Ndejembi has announced.
Ndejembi said Hassan died on Monday, September 7, 2026, at about 8 am while receiving treatment at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar.
The Vice President said Hassan had been undergoing treatment for heart disease.
“Fellow citizens, 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,” Ndejembi said.
“He passed away today, September 7, 2026, at around 8:00 am at Emilio Mzena Memorial Hospital in Zanzibar, where he was receiving treatment for heart disease,” he added.
Ruto mourns President Samia’s husband
Kenyan President William Ruto was among the regional leaders who expressed condolences to President Samia following the announcement.
In a message posted on Monday, Ruto said he had received the news with “deep sorrow” and conveyed condolences on behalf of the Kenyan government and people.
“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.
He said President Samia had lost a lifelong companion, while their children had lost a beloved father.
“President Samia has lost a lifelong companion, her children a beloved father, and Tanzania a distinguished son,” Ruto said.
The Kenyan President also expressed solidarity with Tanzania during the period of mourning.
“Kenya stands with our Tanzanian brothers and sisters in this moment of grief,” he said.
President Ruto prayed for comfort and strength for President Samia and her family and for the late Hassan to be granted eternal rest.
Funeral arrangements begin
Ndejembi said funeral arrangements had already begun and that Hassan would be laid to rest 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,” the Vice President said.
The announcement is expected to be followed by further details from the Tanzanian government and the family regarding the funeral programme.
Who was Hafidh Ameir Hassan?
Hafidh Ameir Hassan was married to Samia Suluhu Hassan in 1978. The couple had four children, including Wanu Hafidh Ameir, who is a Tanzanian politician and Member of Parliament.
Despite being married to one of Tanzania’s most prominent political figures, Hassan largely kept away from the public spotlight.
He was known as a scholar and an expert in agriculture, with much of his professional and personal life kept away from political activity and social media.
His relatively private profile meant that he rarely appeared at major public events and maintained a low public presence during his wife’s presidency.
A private first gentleman
Hassan’s low-key public profile distinguished him from some spouses of African heads of state who regularly participate in public engagements and social programmes.
During Samia’s presidency, he largely remained outside the political spotlight, with limited public appearances and little activity on social media.
His death therefore marks a significant personal loss for President Samia and the wider Tanzanian First Family, even as the government begins preparations for his funeral.
