Former Tanzanian Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Venance Mabeyo has recounted the events of March 17, 2021, a day that marked a significant loss for Tanzania with the death of President John Magufuli.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily News Digital on March 16, 2024, General Mabeyo spoke of an undisclosed conversation with Magufuli, during which he confided in him, expressing doubts about his survival during his hospitalisation.

Mabeyo also said the president confided in him about a desire to return home.

“He called me and expressed doubts about his survival, saying he was not going to recover and asking to be taken back home,” he said.

However, Mabeyo emphasised his lack of authority on medical matters, stating firmly that healthcare decisions rested with medical professionals.

The General did not reveal where Magufuli was taken for treatment, but reports later surfaced about his admission to the Nairobi Hospital in Kenya.

The reports indicated that after medical professionals determined that resuscitation was not feasible, they discharged Magufuli while he was on life support and transported him to Dar es Salaam.

The decision to return Magufuli to Tanzania resulted in his intubation following his flight to Nairobi due to acute cardiac and respiratory ailments, the reports said.

Following Magufuli’s death, Tanzania’s top security officials found themselves grappling with the solemn task of announcing the passing of the Head of State.

“Three heads of security organs were present. We wondered how the news was going to be broken to the public,” the General recounted.