Raila visits the widows of the late Tanzania Presidents Maghufuli, Mkapa

Orange Democtaic Movement (ODM) leader Raila Odinga has met with families the late Tanzanian Presidents John Pombe Maghufuli and Benjamin Mkapa.

The two leaders passed away when the Raila was away in the hospitalized with Covid-19.

In his twitter account, Raila said he visited the widows of the two former presidents; Mama Anna Mkapa and Janeth Magufuli.

“I passed by to visit the families of my good friends Presidents Benjamin Mkapa and John Magufuli. Great to see Mama Anna Mkapa and Mama Janeth Magufuli in high spirits. Mungu azilaze roho zao mahali pema peponi,” he tweeted.

Raila, who was accompanied by his daughter Winnie Odinga, passed through Tanzania on his way back from Zambia where he witnessed the swearing in of Zambia president Hakainde Hichilema.

President Benjamin Mkapa, who led Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 before handing over to Jakaya Kikwete, passed away at a Daresalaam hospital after he fell ill three months after President Magufuli’s demise.

Raila and the late Magufuli had an enduring friendship that lasted over two decades.

Magufuli offered Raila support in his presidential bid by putting on ODM’s party colours during a 2012 national delegates’ convention to express his support for Raila.

In 2015, Raila endorsed Magufuli for presidency which he won the elections.

After his demise, Raila penned a eulogy for the late president saying: “It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my friend, President John Pombe Magufuli of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

Raila said late President Magufuli and his family have been close friends for a long period of time.

“He has been by my side at my most difficult and painful moments. Over the years, we have worked together especially in the areas of connecting Eastern Africa by way of infrastructure.”