PASSIONATE tributes and fond memories were recounted yesterday at the last respects ceremony for the late Cleopa David Msuya, former prime minister and first vice president who died on May 7 at Mzena Hospital, aged 94.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan led the entirety of top leaders from both sides of the union, joining family members and hundreds of well-wishers for a special mass and recounting of his life, hailed as a principled statesman dedicated to serving the public.

In a moving tribute at the Karimjee grounds ceremony in Dar es Salaam, former premier and also retired first vice president John Malecela described Msuya as a bold and visionary leader who steered key ministries through tough economic times.

Asserting that he was speaking as a friend and close acquaintance of the deceased for over five decades, he extolled his deep commitment to justice, accountability and transparency.

‘Msuya always made independent decisions, welcomed diverse views and prioritized national unity,” he said, while CCM secretary general Emmanuel Nchimbi described the late Msuya as a thoughtful leader who embraced differing views and helped guide Tanzania during difficult transitions.

He recounted a meeting with former premier Joseph Warioba, for ongoing consultations on party reforms, where he pointed at Msuya’s humility and inclusiveness.

Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa said burial preparations were proceeding smoothly, effecting directives issued by the president, expressing appreciation for the president’s gesture in providing a government plane to support transporting the body to Kilimanjaro International Airport accompanied by the family.

“Arrangements from Mzena Hospital to Lugalo and taking the body to his residence were completed. Our teams in Mwanga and Usangi are ready,” he said.

Zanzibar President Dr Hussein Ali Mwinyi hailed Msuya as a patriot who worked tirelessly to preserve national unity and promote economic diplomacy.

“His leadership during global economic shifts was critical. His legacy should motivate us to advance national development,” he said.

Offering a personal reflection, daughter and UN administrator Joyce Msuya described her father as a father who extracted discipline and fostered humility in the family, teaching his children the value of hard work.

“He refused to let us use his name for privilege. We attended public schools, did house chores during holidays and later saw the benefits of these chores as life skills,” she said.

Born on January 4, 1931 at Chomvu village, Usangi, he began his public service in the 1950s as a community development officer after attending Makerere University College.

In 1964 he was appointed principal secretary in that department and then shifted to the Treasury in that capacity, then became Finance minister in 1972, shifted to Industries in 1975, took over as premier late 1980 to early 1983, went back to Industries and later returned to Finance, ending his top ministerial positions as prime minister and first vice president.