THE late Cleopa David Msuya’s legacy lives on through the policies he helped craft, the institutions he strengthened and the values he embodied—particularly honesty, patriotism and respect for others.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan made this declaration in a heartfelt tribute to the late former Prime Minister and First Vice President as a devoted public servant who dedicated his life to the nation with unwavering integrity and humility.

At a state funeral ceremony in his Usangi home place in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region, the president reflected on the late premier’s legacy, emphasizing his lifelong commitment to serving the public service, economic stewardship and national unity.

“Cleopa Msuya was a selfless statesman whose life was wholly given to serving Tanzanians,” she said, noting that when she received news of his passing, she paused to reflect on the immense contribution he made to our country—not just as a leader, but as a humble, wise and principled elder.

She urged current and future leaders to draw inspiration from the late Msuya’s example, especially in an era where public trust in leadership hinges on accountability and moral clarity.

“His name is etched in our history not just for the offices he held, but for how he served—with dignity, wisdom and love for the people,” she further noted.

“When I heard the news, I said, ‘Thank you, God,’” she said. “Had we not fulfilled the project he cherished, how would I feel burying him without seeing his dream realized?”

She was referring to the CD Msuya By-Pass Road, a critical infrastructure project long championed by the veteran Mwanga legislator who stepped down before the 2000 but remained the most authoritative spokesman for needs of the district and its residents, for two more decades.

Its first phase—including several bridges—had been completed, with the second phase underway, she said, which connoisseurs say is intended to go round the mountain enclosing Ugweno and Usangi wards by a road starting from Kifaru in the plans long the highway to Moshi, inland to Lake Jipe, the Butu farming area to Lembeni on the southerly outskirts of Mwanga District.

In his honour, the government will also complete a new health centre in Chomvu village, which will be named after him.

 “Msuya had virtually no private life—his life was service,” the president intoned, recalling how he held the finance docket multiple times and played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, including securing Chinese funding for the TAZARA railway.

President Samia praised his leadership during the 1980s economic crisis, when she recalled citizens, including herself as a young CCM member, chanting “Msuya, don’t let the shilling fall!” despite the shilling’s eventual depreciation.

She described Msuya as a source of wisdom and guidance, citing his involvement in resolving political tensions during the 2015 general elections.

“As we say goodbye to our elder Msuya, let us honour him not just in words, but in the values he lived for—service, discipline and love for country,” President Samia said. “His legacy will continue to shape our nation.”

At the Kivindu-Usangi Parish of Mwanga Diocese, Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT) presiding bishop, the Rt. Rev. Dr Alex Malasusa hailed the late Msuya as a selfless leader whose compassion for ordinary Tanzanians leaves a powerful lesson for today’s leaders. 

Bishop Malasusa said the former Prime Minister and First Vice President is remembered not for his age, but for his deep care for the marginalized.

“He’s called ‘Father of Mwanga’ not because of age, but because of the impact he made through love and humility,” Malasusa noted, urging leaders to emulate Msuya’s commitment to public welfare over personal power. 

Hinting in the direction of President Samia, he said retirees like Msuya carry invaluable wisdom that should guide national leadership.

He urged Tanzanians to live meaningful, peaceful lives rooted in love and unity. “What matters is not how you die, but how you lived. Msuya’s legacy is a beacon of wisdom and peace,’ the prelate intoned.