Dar es Salaam. Retired Prime Minister and former Chief Justice Joseph Warioba has said he is recovering well after he suddenly collapsed while addressing a national conference on Tanzania’s political situation, the 2025 General Election and the country’s future.
Mr Warioba said the incident, which occurred on Monday, September 7, 2026, was caused by fatigue and that he was now resting at home.
Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, Mr Warioba said he was feeling well.
“It was just fatigue, but I am doing well. I have rested at home,” he said.
Mr Warioba collapsed while discussing Tanzania’s political challenges, particularly the relationship and political competition between the ruling CCM and ACT-Wazalendo in Zanzibar.
The incident briefly disrupted the conference, with leaders who were near him rushing to assist and provide first aid.
Tanzania Centre for Democracy (TCD) chairperson, Dorothy Semu, temporarily suspended the discussion to allow delegates to attend to Mr Warioba, who was the guest of honour at the conference.
He was later helped out of the venue while walking with assistance.
Before he collapsed, Mr Warioba had been discussing challenges facing the country, including national unity and cohesion.
He also raised concerns over growing tribalism, religious divisions and regionalism, as well as sentiments around Tanganyika and Zanzibari identities.
Health experts say fatigue can contribute to sudden weakness or collapse, particularly among older people.
Dr Samwel Ogillo said severe fatigue, inadequate sleep and prolonged activity without sufficient rest could leave a person weak and increase the risk of such incidents.
He said older people should give priority to adequate rest and ensure they get enough sleep.
“Rest should be given priority, particularly among older people, and they should ensure they get enough sleep,” he said.
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