Pinda to lead Mvungi burial today in K’njaro

A member of the Constitutional Review Commission, Prof Mwesiga Baregu, pays his last respects to the slain Dr Sengondo

The deceased, who was a member of the Constitution Review Commission, died last week at a South African hospital after a nine-day battle with injuries

Dar es Salaam. Prime Minister Mizengo Pinda will today lead mourners at the burial of renowned lawyer, politician and university lecturer, Dr Sengondo Mvungi, at his Kisangara Juu Village in Mwanga District, Kilimanjaro Region.

Dr Mvungi who was a member of the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) died last week at the South African hospital after a nine-day battle with injuries he sustained during a robbery incident at his Kibamba residence on the outskirts of Dar es Salaam.

The CRC member was slashed with machetes by gangsters on November 3. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the Muhimbili Orthopaedic Institute (MOI) before he was flown to Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg, South Africa, for further treatment.

According to NCCR Mageuzi chairman James Mbatia, the former advocate of the High Court and Court of Appeal will be laid to rest in the afternoon. Yesterday, hundreds of mourners gathered at Dr Mvungi’s residence at Kibamba Msakuzi for prayers which were followed by last respects.

There were sorrowful scenes when the coffin bearing Dr Mvungi’s body was brought outside for prayers and last respects. Some relatives were inconsolable upon seeing the coffin. Tears flowed freely among the fallen lawyer’s relatives and colleagues as the coffin draped in the NCCR Mageuzi flag was put in a special vehicle ready for for the Kilimanjaro safari.

Mr Mbatia led family and friends for the safari. “A requiem mass is expected to take place at Kisangara Juu and later, Dr Mvungi will be laid to rest at the residence of his parents,’’ he said.

Dr Mvungi became well known countrywide after he contested the presidential seat as the flag bearer of NCCR-Mageuzi. He came fifth out of 10 candidates, garnering 55,819 votes (0.43 per cent). He was a member of the NCCR-Mageuzi National Executive Committee.

Dr Mvungi taught at the UDSM before moving to the University of Bagamoyo to become the first vice-chancellor.

                                         THE CITIZEN