Mombasa businessman and politician Said Abdallah, has visited Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan to convey his condolences following the death of her husband, Hafidh Ameir Hassan.

Hafidh, who served as Tanzania’s First Gentleman after President Samia assumed office in 2021, died on Monday while undergoing treatment for a heart condition at a hospital in Zanzibar. 

During the visit, Said Abdallah expressed his sympathy to President Samia and the family, describing the loss as a difficult moment that has affected not only the family but also the people of Tanzania.

He offered prayers for the departed and wished President Samia and her family strength and comfort as they come to terms with the loss.

The visit comes as messages of condolence continue to pour in from across the region, with Kenyan President William Ruto among leaders who have mourned the passing of Hafidh. 

Said’s engagement with President Samia also highlights the longstanding social, cultural and economic ties between the Kenyan Coast and Tanzania, particularly Zanzibar and Mombasa, which share deep historical and people-to-people connections.

The Nyali aspirant has increasingly positioned himself in public engagements ahead of the 2027 elections, as he seeks to build his political profile in Mombasa.