Former Tanzanian President Benjamin Mkapa did not die of #COVID_19

As Uganda continues to mourn the death of Former Tanzanian President Benjamin William Mkapa, his family has come out to scotch rumours that he succumbed to the coronavirus clarifying that Mkapa was suffering from malaria and died of a heart attack.

During a funeral mass broadcast on state television TBC1, a family member William Erio revealed that Mkapa was found with malaria and he had been admitted for treatment since Wednesday.

Mkapa, who ruled the East African country for two terms from 1995 to 2005, died early Friday aged 81 in a Dar es Salaam hospital but the government did not reveal the cause of the death.

“He was feeling better on Thursday and I was with him until 8:00 pm that day,” Erio said.

“After watching the evening news bulletin, Mkapa died of cardiac arrest,” Erio added, saying he wished to dispel rumours spreading on social media that Mkapa had contracted the new coronavirus.

President John Magufuli attended the funeral mass along with his vice president and prime minister at the national stadium as Tanzanians continue to pay last respects to the fallen former President at Uhuru Stadium in Temeke district.

The Tanzanian government Mkapa will be laid to rest on Wednesday, July 29, at his home village in Masasi, Mtwara region.