Immediate former Tanzanian President John Pombe Joseph Magufuli was laid to rest on Friday 4:30pm at his Chato home in Tanzania.

Thousands of Tanzanians flocked his home to pay their last respect to the head of state. The state burial was led by the recently sworn in President Samia Hassan Suluhu who took over after Magufuli died on March 17.

Also in attendance were the former Tanzanian heads of states such as Magufuli’s predecessor Jakaya Kikwete and second Tanzanian president Ali Hassan Mwinyi.

Having shared moments and navigated the political waters in the CCM boat, Mr Kikwete took to the podium to bring the fond memories of how he first met Magufuli when they served under the regime of late former president Benjamin Mkapa.

“We knew each other when we were ministers under the Benjamin Mkapa led government. We would joke a lot since day one and our friendship blossomed further when his wife, Janeth and my wife Salma became buddies and ended up as teachers in one school. We have been visiting each other a lot, and I am sure you have all seen a photo of me sitting on the ground with the mother of the late,” he narrated as he fought his tears.

He then proceeded: “It was my wish that Magufuli would have completed his term, retired and then burry some of us who are his elders. He was a great leader who loved Tanzania and it is sad he won’t see his works manifest.”

Mwinyi gave credit to Magufuli for accomplishing some of the things he said were never done by leaders who came before him.

“Magufuli outdid those of us who ruled before him, Tanzania now has tarmacked roads, an international airport,’’ he said.

The new president Suluhu promised to deliver the promises by her former boss to keep the work philosophy alive.

“I have heard your plea to have Chato elevated into a Province, which we will do in respect of the late. However, we will vet to establish if the proposed area meets the requirements of a Province,” she promised.

Magufuli died on March 17 of heart disease after disappearing from the public eye for more than two weeks. Last week, East African countries declared various days of mourning to give honour to the late president.