By Florence Mugarula
The Citizen Reporter
Dar es Salaam. A sad mood engulfed Karimjee grounds yesterday as hundreds of mourners led by President Jakaya Kikwete paid their last respects to the former Arumeru East MP, Mr Jeremiah Solomon Sumari who died of brain cancer at the Muhimbili National Hospital on Thursday.

Addressing mourners, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Ms Anne Makinda said the deceased was a good example to be emulated by other politicians as he served his people and the nation at large by adhering to the principles of good governance.She said other politicians must do the same by learning to fear God, and doing their job of attending to people’s needs.

“Mr Sumari was a good example of a God fearing person, we need to learn from him and avoid conning in politics, these acts can’t lead us to heaven,” she said.

The Chama Cha Mapinduzi secretary general, Mr Wilson Mukama said Mr Sumari who also served as deputy minister for Labour and Employment as well as the deputy minister for Finance and Economic Affairs in a period of four years was trustworthy and hard working.

He said that Mr Sumari was elected the Arumeru East MP in 2005 and was re-elected in 2010 because he was talented and committee to serve his people.

“The deceased was talented and dedicated his time, ability and heart to serve his people, the most important thing which we must learn from him, and CCM will live up to his dreams,” said Mr Mukama.

The leader of opposition in the Parliament and chairman of Chadema, Mr Freeman Mbowe somberly said the demise of Mr Sumari was a big loss to the nation, but acknowledged the unification and cooperation that have been shown by wananchi in facing the challenge.

Referring to the Chadema MP’s funeral, Ms Regia Mtema who was buried on Wednesday, Mr Mbowe said the unification spirit must live within Tanzanians and that political ideologies must stay aside when facing national problems.

The minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (Policy, Co-ordination and Parliamentary Affairs), Mr William Lukuvi said the nation has lost a strong pillar and that; the government will use his ideas and plans to push forward people’s development.

The Parliament office has arranged travel for 50 MPs from different political parties to attend the burial, which will take place tomorrow at Akeri Village, Arumeru District, Arusha.

Mr Sumari who was born 69 years ago died on Thursday after battling brain cancer for a long time.
The deceased had flown two times to India to seek medication. He is survived by a widow, four children and seven grandchildren.

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