NJOMBE, 12 March 2021 – Tanzanian authorities are finally speaking up to scotch rumors that President John Magufuli is unwell and receiving medical attention in a foreign country.
“Magufuli is in the country and working hard in his office”, his prime minister, Kassim Majaliwa, said Friday.
Tanzanian PM Kassim Majaliwa – Arwal Al Ghad
“Tanzanians, be calm! Your president is there, in good health. He is working,” Majaliwa said while attending Friday prayers at the main mosque in Njombe, a town in southern Tanzania.
Social media and even mainstream media has been awash with rumors that Magufuli has been infected with the new coronavirus and has been evacuated to Kenya, one account holds, or to India, according to another.
Kajaliwa said Magufuli was in his office “going through documents… loads of files”, questioning why people are asking “him to appear”.
Nothing to See Here, PM says, claiming his boss, Magufuli, is Busy in his Office – Photo The Citizen
“The president has his own work schedule and can’t appear under your directions,” Kajaliwa told those in attendance at Friday prayers in Njombe.
The government of Tanzania has downplayed the very existence of COVID-19 in the East African country, including claiming that Tanzanians had prayed the virus away.
