Despite his shortcomings, Magufuli was a great leader

The late John Pombe Magufuli. [Courtesy]

Tanzania and East Africa are in mourning following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli on Wednesday at a hospital in Dar es Salaam.

While formally making the announcement, Vice President Samia Suluhu said Magufuli succumbed to a heart ailment that he had battled for about 10 years. That put an end to two weeks of speculation over the president's whereabouts and health.