Fr. Felician Nkwera dies at 89, mourners gather in Dar es Salaam
What you need to know:
- His passing has drawn scores of mourners to the centre he established, where he spent his final years in spiritual service.
Dar es Salaam. Father Felician Nkwera, 89, the founder of the Marian Faith Healing Centre in Ubungo, Dar es Salaam, has died.
His passing has drawn scores of mourners to the centre he established, where he spent his final years in spiritual service.
Fr. Nkwera died on the night of Thursday, May 8, 2025, at TMJ Hospital, where he was admitted following a sudden drop in blood pressure.
According to officials at the centre, the revered religious figure began feeling unwell that morning but continued with his daily activities until his condition worsened later in the day.
Deogratias Karulama, chairperson of the Healing Ministry at the Marian Faith Healing Centre, told The Citizen that Fr. Nkwera was initially taken to a local hospital, where doctors noted his low blood pressure.
He was later transferred to a hospital in Kinondoni, where his condition appeared to improve. However, during the journey back home, his health rapidly deteriorated, prompting another emergency stop at TMJ Hospital, where he passed away.
Fr. Nkwera was previously a priest in the Catholic Church but was later excommunicated by church leadership. Despite the controversy, he remained a spiritual figure to many, drawing large followings to his independent healing ministry.
At the centre, worshippers held prayer services on Friday, many visibly emotional and struggling to hold back tears. Karulama delivered the news of his passing with a message of reflection and gratitude.
"Father often joked with us. Whenever we told him to eat, he would say, 'Let’s wait until the Pope is found.' Fittingly, he passed shortly after the Pope’s announcement," Karulama recalled.
He continued: "His final days were filled with advice and spiritual counsel. He reminded us often that ‘those who sin will perish.’ He believed in prayer and always urged us to pray for the nation—especially now as we approach the general election in October."
Fr. Nkwera is also remembered for his vast contributions to Kiswahili language and literature. He authored over seven books that are widely used in secondary schools and colleges across the country. His influence shaped generations of Swahili language scholars.
"Many of us in the field of Kiswahili passed through his teachings. He deeply understood both language and literature," said Prof. Aladin Mutembei of the University of Dar es Salaam.
Dr. Musa Hans, Director of the Confucius Institute at UDSM, echoed this sentiment, noting Fr. Nkwera’s enduring legacy in promoting Kiswahili globally.
"He was one of the early linguists who believed in taking Kiswahili beyond Tanzania’s borders. His contributions continue to influence how the language is spoken and taught in many parts of the world," said Dr. Hans.
Funeral plans are pending as some of Fr. Nkwera’s relatives are currently abroad. The centre said it will share updates once arrangements are finalised.
His passing marks the end of an era for a man remembered both for his spiritual devotion and scholarly impact—a figure whose life work straddled religion, language, and national consciousness.
