Respiratory infections caused Membe’s death, says personal physician

Dar es Salaam. Bernard Membe’s personal physician, Prof Harun Nyagori, has said that respiratory complications were the major cause of the long-serving cabinet minister’s death.

Briefing reporters yesterday Prof Nyagori said infections in the respiratory system led to blood clotting and prevented the proper flow of oxygenated blood from entering the lungs.

Prof Nyagori, who doubles as a consultant cardiologist at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI), dispelled rumours of foul play in the sudden death of the politician early morning yesterday.

The former presidential candidate died at the Kairuki Hospital, where he was receiving treatment. Speaking at the deceased’s residence, Prof Nyagori said anybody could be subjected to the geld complication that led to the death of the former Mtama MP.

“Rumours circulating on social media about his death should be ignored. The truth is that Membe has died a natural death,” said Prof Nyagori.

The professor said Membe had complained of fever and chest pains three days ago, even though the disease wasn’t chronic for him.

Reacting to Membe’s medical report, a physician, Dr Samuel Shita, said infections in the respiratory system, such as pneumonia, could easily cause death.

“The lungs fail to properly receive and absorb oxygen for distribution to different parts of the body,” he said. He said ageing could also lead to non-communicable diseases (NCDs), therefore endangering other body systems.

“Being above 60 years of age could lead to NCDs such as high blood pressure (BP), cardiovascular disease, heart attack, and a decline in immunity that could lead to infections in the respiratory systems such as severe flu and Covid-19,” he said.

His last journey

The late Membe’s personal assistant, Jerome Rwanda, said he had talks with the politician until midnight on Friday, revealing that he didn’t show any signs of weakness.

“At 5am his wife called to inform me about his sickness. We rushed him to a nearby Kairuki hospital,” he said.

According to him, Membe was put on the life support machine and then transferred to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where he was pronounced dead at about 7am.

Tributes pour in

Yesterday, President Samia Suluhu Hassan wrote in her verified Twitter account; “I have received with sadness reports of Mr Bernard Membe’s demise... he was been a keen public servant, diplomat, legislator, and minister who served the country with professionalism. My condolences go to the family, relatives, and friends. May God rest his soul in eternal peace, amen.

Chadema’s national chairman, Freeman Mbowe, said on Twitter; “Mr Membe has served our country in different roles. He will forever be remembered for his service to our country. May his soul rest in peace, Amen.”

ACT Wazalendo leader Zitto Kabwe said on his Twitter account; “There are no words that can describe my shock following reports of his death other than thanking God for the life of our elder Bernard Membe, who died this morning. A brilliant politician and a representative of citizens.”

The UK High Commissioner to Tanzania, David Concar, also used his Twitter account to pay tribute to Membe; “Condolences to the government and people of Tanzania over the sad news of the passing of former Foreign Minister Bernard Membe. He was a top diplomat, a voice for international peace, and a supporter of African democracy. We will remember him with respect and fondness. Apumzike kwa amani.”

Lawmakers

The minister for Information, Communication and Information Technology, Nape Nnauye, said Tanzania has lost an important person.

“I talked to him three or four days ago. To us (from southern regions), this is a huge loss. He has been a brother who assisted me in many different issues,” said Mr Nnauye who doubles as Mtama Constituency lawmaker.

Ismani Constituency lawmaker Williamu Lukuvi-CCM said the deceased was an important person within CCM and the government.

“Condolences to party leaders. I have worked with him, and he became my friend and later a family friend. “We have worked together as lawmakers, ministers, and party comrades,” he said. The minister of state in the President’s Office, Mr George Mkuchika, said the nation has lost a brave person who loved his country.

Burial schedule

The family spokesperson, Judge Mustafa Ismail, said the late Bernard Membe will be buried on May 16, 2023, at his home village of Rondo in Lindi Region.

He said on May 14, 2023, Tanzanians will be given the opportunity to bid farewell to the deceased at the Karimjee grounds in Dar es Salaam.