Body of fallen Tanzanian technocrat Lawrence Mafuru to be laid to rest in Dar es Salaam on Friday

Dar es Salaam. The late Lawrence Mafuru, former Executive Secretary of the Planning Commission, will be buried on Friday, November 15, 2024, at Kondo Cemetery, Tegeta, Dar es Salaam. His body is set to arrive in Tanzania on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

Mafuru, a notable financial and economic expert who held roles in both public and private sectors, passed away on Saturday, November 9, 2024, while receiving treatment at Apollo Hospital in India.

The family has shared funeral arrangements as mourners gather at Mafuru’s residence at Bunju A, Dar es Salaam.

According to the schedule, Mafuru’s body is expected to arrive at Julius Nyerere International Airport (JNIA) at 1:45 PM on Tuesday from New Delhi, India.

The body will be transported to Lugalo Hospital at 4:00 PM the same day.

Wednesday will be reserved for mourning at Mafuru's residence, followed by a farewell ceremony on Thursday, November 14, at Karimjee Hall from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.

The body will then be taken to his home at Bunju A, where it will remain overnight before the burial on Friday.

The burial day will begin with tea for mourners at 8:00 AM at his home, with a procession to the Seventh Day Adventist Church at Magomeni scheduled from 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM.

A comforting service will follow at the church from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, after which the procession will proceed to Kondo Cemetery, with the burial service set from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Mafuru’s work with the Planning Commission included developing short-term and long-term national development plans.

His passing comes as the nation works on drafting the 2050 National Development Vision.

President Samia Suluhu Hassan expressed condolences, honoring Mafuru’s service and dedication, and offering words of comfort to his family.