Musoma. Minister for Home Affairs Patrobas Katambi has led mourners at the funeral of the father of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Camillus Wambura, Mr Deusdedit Wambura, who died aged 100.
The deceased, who died on October 26, 2026, in Dar es Salaam after battling illness for more than 19 years, was buried on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
He reportedly suffered from prostate, kidney and heart conditions, which required treatment at various hospitals across the country.
Delivering condolence messages, several leaders who attended the funeral urged family members, relatives and friends not to mourn but instead celebrate the deceased’s life, noting that he had lived longer than many people.
They said few people were blessed with the opportunity to live to 100, urging the family to thank God for granting their loved one such a long life.
‘The family should celebrate the deceased’s life rather than grieve because he had lived a full life,’ said Minister Katambi.
He said religious scriptures put the human lifespan at 70 years, meaning any additional years were a blessing from Almighty God.
He also linked the deceased’s life to the Catholic faith, noting that he was born in April, when Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and died in October, the month dedicated to the Rosary.
“I have not even reached 50 years. May Almighty God help me. Our elder has set a huge challenge for us, particularly in bringing up children. He raised his children well; among them are God-fearing people and public servants who are patriotic and guided by integrity,” he said.
Musoma Urban MP Mgore Miraji (CCM) said the family had no reason to grieve but should instead celebrate their father’s and grandfather’s life because he had been a blessing to them.
“Although the elder has departed, and death is always painful and something we never get used to, we should thank God for granting him 100 years. Few people reach such an age,” he said.
Serengeti MP Mary Daniel (CCM) said the family should thank God for granting the deceased a long life, noting that many people wished to reach such an age but could not.
“My own father, Joseph Surati, did not even reach 60 years. I ask to share in our elder’s blessings so that I, too, may live many years. Instead of mourning, let us celebrate his life and glorify God,” she said.
Leading the funeral Mass at the Virgin Mary Mother of God Catholic Cathedral in Musoma, Musoma Urban Parish priest Father Medard Chegere urged mourners to live exemplary lives that benefited society, the Church and the nation.
He said the deceased had strived to live with integrity and humanity, leaving a positive legacy in various sectors, including education, health, politics and leadership.
“This gathering is a true reflection of how Deusdedit lived in society. We should uphold integrity and leave a good mark. Every leader, starting at the community level, should leave a positive legacy for the people. That legacy should be peace, solidarity, unity and love,” he said.
A teacher by profession, Mr Wambura held various positions in the education sector.
By the time he retired from public service, he was serving as an education officer, a position he had held in several districts across the country.
Beyond public service, Mr Wambura was also a politician, first with the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU) and later the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), where he held various leadership positions at district, regional and national levels.
He is survived by eight children, 30 grandchildren and 28 great-grandchildren.
He was buried at Mwisenge Cemetery in Musoma Municipality, Mara Region.
The funeral was attended by several leaders, including Minister for Information, Culture and Sports Paul Makonda, Minister for Works Masanja Kadogosa, Minister for Defence and National Service Rhimo Nyansaho, and Chief of Defence Forces General Jacob Mkunda.
Others included Njombe Regional Commissioner Anthony Mtaka, Simiyu Regional Commissioner Said Mtanda, regional police commanders from various regions and other leaders, including politicians.