Sefue recounts the pressures of serving four heads of state

President Jakaya Kikwete hands over working tools to the newly sworn-in Chief Secretary, Ambassador Ombeni Sefue following his swearing-in ceremony at the State House in Dar es Salaam on December 31, 2011. PHOTO | FILE

Dar es Salaam. For 17 years, Mr Ombeni Sefue worked at the centre of the presidency, first as a presidential aide and later as Chief Secretary.

While many associate state house with prestige and influence, he says the reality was defined by immense responsibility, relentless pressure and little room for errors.