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The Nairobian

FKF boss Nick Mwendwa leads sports fraternity in mourning Magufuli 's death

Football

By Odero Charles | Mar 18, 2021

**FILE PHOTO: Tanzania's President elect Magufuli salutes members of the ruling CCM at the party's sub-head office on Lumumba road in Dar es Salaam** [Reuters]

The sports fraternity in Kenya is mourning the death of Tanzania's President John Magufuli who died on Wednesday at hospital Mzena in Dar es Salaam.

Football Kenya Federation President Nick Mwendwa condoled with Tanzanians, saying a moment of silence will be observed on Thursday during an international friendly match between the Harambee Stars and Tanzania's Taifa Stars.

"On behalf of Football Kenya Federation and the entire Kenyan football fraternity, I wish you peace and solace during these difficult times" Mwenda said.

“In honor of the late President, we shall observe a moment of silence prior to kick off in today's international friendly match between the Harambee Stars and Tanzania's Taifa Stars.”

However, in an updated tweet, the FKF boss said the match has been cancelled to allow the Tanzanians mourn the demise of their president.

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“Kenya VS Tanzania today is off and cancelled! In respect to our brothers we have agreed to cancel. Poleni sana !” read the tweet.

Kenya VS Tanzania today is off and cancelled ! In respect to our brothers we have agreed to cancel. Poleni sana ! — Nick Mwendwa (@Nmwendwa) March 18, 2021

Harambee stars captain Victor Wanyama also took to social media to express his shock, grief, and sadness.

“My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and people Of Tanzania following the sudden demise of President John Pombe Magufuli, praying for strength and unity during this difficult time Broken heart #RIPMagufuli” he tweeted.

My heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and people Of Tanzania following the sudden demise of President John Pombe Magufuli, praying for strength and unity during this difficult time ????????????#RIPMagufuli pic.twitter.com/SzWdufwoeR — Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) March 17, 2021

Harambee Stars striker Michael Olunga also expressed his sympathies and condolences to the people of Tanzania.

"Heartfelt condolences to our neighbors Tanzania. Rest In Peace Magufuli," he tweeted.

#ripmagufuli
Heartfelt condolences to our neighbors Tanzania.
Rest In Peace Magufuli???????? pic.twitter.com/ExWKJgvFIm — MICHAEL OLUNGA (@OgadaOlunga) March 17, 2021

Magufuli, had not been seen in public since February 27, sparking speculation that he had contracted COVID-19. Officials denied on March 12 that he had fallen ill.

The president had denounced measures to stop the spread of the virus and called vaccines a Western conspiracy, frustrating the World Health Organisation (WHO).

His approach caused alarm at the World Health Organization, prompting its head to implore Tanzania to improve public health measures, prepare to distribute vaccines and start reporting coronavirus cases and sharing data.