Ukawa co-chair body arrives in Dar today
Dr Emmanuel Makaidi, who was vying for the Masasi parliamentary seat, died at Nyangao Hospital in Lindi Region on Thursday
What you need to know:
Dr Emmanuel Makaidi, who was vying for the Masasi parliamentary seat, died at Nyangao Hospital in Lindi Region on Thursday.
Dar es Salaam. The body of the chairman of the opposition National League for Democracy, Dr Emmanuel Makaidi, was expected in Dar es Salaam last night from Masasi, Lindi Region.
Dr Makaidi, 74, who was vying for the Masasi parliamentary seat, died at Nyangao Hospital in Lindi Region on Thursday after succumbing to high blood pressure.
Oscar Makaidi, one of Dr Makaidi’s sons, told The Citizen by telephone that they left Masasi for Dar es Salaam at around 2.45pm and they expected to arrive in the city at night.
Oscar said the body will be taken to the deceased’s residence in Sinza.
He added that funeral arrangements will be done by Ukawa, a coalition of four political parties where the late politician was co-chairman.
Meanwhile, President Jakaya Kikwete has expressed his shock over the death of Dr Makaidi.
In his condolence message, President Kikwete said he was sharing his sorrow with all NLD members, family and all Tanzanians following the death of Dr Makaidi whom he described as a true patriotic and strong leader.
He said NLD has lost its long-time leader and that the nation has also lost a patriotic politician who has participated in various development activities.
“I am joining you in these difficult moments. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to Dr Makaidi’s family, friends and all Tanzanians in general,” said the Head of State.
Makaidi was born on April 10, 1941 in Masasi District, Lindi Region.
Running as the NLD presidential candidate in the December 14, 2005 elections, Makaidi emerged seventh out of ten candidates, receiving 0.19 per cent of the vote.
He died on October 10, 2015 in Lindi Region due to stroke.
Dr Makaidi attended primary education at Namalenga school in Masasi District between 1948 and 1952. In 1953, he joined Luatala Middle School in the same district.
He later on joined St. Joseph Secondary School where he completed Form IV in 1956 before joining Luhule High School in Uganda in 1957.
He studied in Uganda under the auspices of an Anglican Bishop because his father was poor.
It was his imposing examination results at ordinary level that prompted the bishop to support him.
Later, he joined Witwatersrand University in South Africa for a two-year course before leaving for the United States where he studied at Howard University between 1960 and 1962.
