Category: The Citizen

Dar es Salaam. On the night of February 19, 2026, Tanzania lost one of its foremost spiritual, moral, and national voices.

Cardinal Polycarp Pengo, retired Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Dar es Salaam, passed away at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute (JKCI) in Dar es Salaam, aged 82. The Archbishop Jude Thaddaeus Ruwa’ichi formally announced his death. National mourning ensued, with President Samia Suluhu Hassan among the first to offer condolences, recalling him as a voice of wisdom on social and moral issues who championed peace, respect, and humanity across Tanzanian society.

Cardinal Pengo’s life mirrored much of Tanzania’s history, a man at the crossroads of faith and politics, Church and nation, African culture and global change. Understanding his leadership offers insight into the Catholic Church’s history in Tanzania and its interaction with successive governments.

Early courage and advocacy During his first two decades in Dar es Salaam, Cardinal Pengo became known for remarkable courage. He spoke out boldly, criticising governments and institutions when their actions threatened the Church or national unity.

A notable instance followed the Zanzibar unrest of 2001. In February of that year, a statement signed by Catholic bishops, including Cardinal Pengo, condemned the “killing of innocent people” and the ensuing “riots.” On HIV/Aids, he maintained the Church’s position that the epidemic could not be addressed by condoms alone, but through education on personal responsibility within a moral view of human sexuality, a stance sometimes at odds with international health policies.

Regarding same-sex relations, he stated in 2000 that such acts were among the gravest sins. In November 2018, Cardianl Pengo spoke against “ideological colonialism,” urging the government to reject foreign aid linked to Western advocacy of same-sex relations.

During the Harvest Thanksgiving Mass at St Joseph’s Cathedral in Dar es Salaam on 25 November 2018, he urged refusal of aid tied to practices contrary to God’s will, saying it was better to face hunger than compromise morality. One of his most challenging periods came during President John Pombe Magufuli’s tenure (20152021).

The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) issued strong statements criticising trends in democratic governance, human rights erosion, and suppression of dissent. Even amid such tensions, Cardinal Pengo maintained a careful balance between spiritual leadership and political reality.

Relations with successive governments During Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s era, Cardinal Pengo served as bishop in peripheral dioceses, including Nachingwea and Tunduru-Masasi. His studies in Rome included research on Nyerere’s nation-building philosophy, which he used to illustrate the Church’s role in fostering patriotism, showing an early understanding of Church, state dialogue.

During the final years of Ali Hassan Mwinyi (19851995) and throughout Benjamin Mkapa’s presidency (19952005), Cardinal Pengo, Archbishop of Dar es Salaam from 1992 and Cardinal from 1998, navigated major changes, from single-party to multi-party politics and economic reform. His decisive action during the 2001 Zanzibar unrest, signing the bishops’ statement condemning killings, reflected his readiness to challenge authorities while maintaining engagement in human rights matters.

During Jakaya Kikwete’s tenure (20052015), Cardinal Pengo maintained a courteous, measured voice. In 2014, TEC’s peace and justice committee issued a letter on constitutional review recommendations; Cardinal Pengo dissociated himself, emphasising that it did not reflect the Church’s position, illustrating his careful balancing of conscience and collective Church decisions.

During Magufuli’s term, TEC issued strong letters critical of government policy. Cardinal Pengo appeared to distance himself from two high-profile documents, arguably to preserve spiritual leadership amid a tense political environment and declining health.

Even so, he remained firm on moral matters, such as foreign aid tied to ethical compromises. Under President Samia Suluhu Hassan (20212026), respect for Cardinal Pengo’s seniority was evident.

She marked his 50th priesthood anniversary and contributed to his church project in Makulunge, Bagamoyo. After his death, she recalled him as a voice of wisdom on social and moral issues.

Global leadership and African voice Cardinal Pengo’s influence extended beyond Tanzania. He participated in two papal conclaves: in 2005, electing Pope Benedict XVI, and in 2013, electing Pope Francis.

He served on several Vatican councils, including the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples, and the Council for Interreligious Dialogue. In 2007, he was elected President of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), a position he held until 2013, defending Africa’s contribution to the universal Church.

Cardinal Pengo as a mirror of his era Assessing Pengo’s leadership is neither simple nor one-sided. He was shaped by rigorous moral philosophy, tasked with guiding Tanzania and Africa through challenging times.

His strengths included exceptional intellect, the ability to strengthen Church institutions, courage to speak publicly, and representing Africa internationally with dignity. His controversial positions, especially in later years, will remain debated by Church and Tanzanian historians.

Yet even in controversy, he will be remembered as a leader who climbed the long mountain of spiritual leadership in Tanzania, built a strong Church, and stood as Africa’s voice in Vatican councils for decades. Most distinctively, Pengo believed that true faith must engage with all aspects of human life, political, moral, and social.

Tanzania has lost a mirror of its recent history, but it has gained a historical treasure for generations to study and learn from. .

Dar es Salaam. At least 10 Tanzanian-registered financial technology (fintech) firms are set to benefit from a Sh250 million grant under the Pesatech accelerator cohort 3, an initiative designed to bolster the nation’s digital economy.

The programme was officially launched on February 20, 2026, by the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), with funding from the European Union (EU). Speaking during the launch, Anza Entrepreneurs head of programmes, Ms Dina Kikuli, said applications for Cohort 3 remain open from February 20 to March 23, 2026. “10 selected Tanzania-registered fintech companies that are already generating revenue and are ready to scale will benefit from Pesatech accelerator cohort 3.

Each selected firm will receive a business growth grant of up to Sh25 million to address specific operational needs,” she said. Ms Kikuli explained that this year’s cohort is themed ‘Driving Collaboration to Advance Financial Technology Innovation in Tanzania’, placing strategic partnerships at the centre of progress.

The initiative seeks to connect fintech innovators with financial institutions, mobile network operators, investors, and regulators. This aims to create a supportive ecosystem where promising businesses can scale sustainably and contribute meaningfully to Tanzania’s digital economy.

Ms Kikuli added that beyond financial support, participating firms will receive tailored technical and commercial advisory services. These include investor-readiness preparation, structured performance tracking through key growth indicators, and direct opportunities to forge strategic partnerships within the banking and telecommunications sectors.

Officiating the event, the Tanzania ICT Commission director of ICT promotion, Mr Jasson Ndanguzi, underscored the importance of a supportive policy and regulatory environment that enables fintech companies to innovate responsibly while remaining competitive. Mr Ndanguzi who represented the Tanzania ICT Commission director general reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting private sector collaboration as key pillars of Tanzania’s digital transformation agenda.

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Arusha. The Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Lameck Nchemba, is set to undertake a three-day working visit to Arusha Region from February 22 to 24, focusing on key development projects and community engagement.

The tour follows his recent visits to Tanga and Kilimanjaro regions. During the visit, Dr Nchemba is expected to inspect six major projects valued at Sh194 billion across Arumeru, Arusha and Longido districts, and meet local residents to discuss progress and emerging challenges.

Arusha Regional Commissioner Mr Amos Gabriel Makalla outlined the Prime Minister’s itinerary, noting that on Sunday, February 22, Dr Nchemba will lay the foundation stone for a modern dormitory at Nelson Mandela International Science and Technology Institute, review infrastructure expansion at Oltrumet Hospital and meet residents in Ngaramtoni. On Monday, February 23, the Prime Minister will tour Longido District, where he will receive updates on the large-scale water project in Sinya Ward, inaugurate the expansion of Sinya Secondary School, which now offers Form Five and Six classes, and visit the One-Stop Border Post in Namanga.

“He will conclude the day by addressing residents atNamanga Primary School grounds,” said Mr Makalla. On the final day, Tuesday, February 24, Dr Nchemba will tour Arusha District, inspect the construction of the main bus terminal in Bondeni area, lay the foundation stone for Kilombero Market and hold a public meeting at the market site.

Residents have expressed high expectations ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit. Mr Mosses Kissesa highlighted the urgency of resolving delays in the Sh520 billion Arusha water project, which aims to supply 200 million litres of water daily to benefit about 850,000 residents.

The project, managed by the Arusha Urban Water Supply Authority, began in 2021 and was initially scheduled for completion in June 2022. The deadline was later extended to 2023, but the project remains incomplete. Mr Kissesa also called on the Prime Minister to address bureaucratic and corruption-related delays affecting trade permits at the Namanga border, which have limited local businesses’ access to the East African Community common market.

Meanwhile, Ms Neema Mollel said incomplete road and infrastructure projects continue to pose challenges to communities, expressing hope for decisive government action during the visit. .

Mbeya. More than Sh2.2 billion has been disbursed by the Mbeya District Council to support 76 groups of women, youth and people with disabilities through the statutory 10 percent loan scheme aimed at boosting economic empowerment.

The funds are part of the council’s internally generated revenue and were issued during the 2024/2025 to 2025/2026 financial years. The district loans coordinator, Ms Consolatha Kyando, said on Saturday, February 21, 2026, during the handover of cheques worth Sh242.9 million to 55 groups, including 30 women’s groups, that the programme is implementing the government’s directive to economically empower special groups.

“Out of the Sh2.2 billion, Sh959 million has benefited 37 women’s groups, Sh1.2 billion has gone to 36 youth groups, and Sh27.2 million has supported three groups of people with disabilities,” she said. Ms Kyando noted that beneficiaries were drawn from several wards, including Tembela, Ilungu, Igoma, Itewe, Ijombe, Maendeleo, Ilembo and Santilya.

Others are Iyunga Mapinduzi, Igale, Bonde la Songwe, Utengule Usongwe, Nsalala, Mshewe, Ikukwa, Ihango, Lwanjilo, Izyra, Masoko, Iwindi, Isuto, Mjele and Itawa. Despite the progress, she said challenges remain, particularly some groups failing to comply with regulations, laws and guidelines on timely loan repayment, which affects other applicants.

“Another challenge is that some groups lack viable projects, making them ineligible to qualify for the 10 percent loans,” she added. For her part, the Mbeya District head of the Community Development Division, Ms Agness Elikunda, said the council would continue implementing the government’s goal of economically empowering citizens through loans for women, youth and people with disabilities.

“We have been working to increase individual and group incomes as part of implementing the CCM Election Manifesto and ensuring essential services reach the community,” she said. Council call for accountability Council chairperson, Ms Aida Haule urged beneficiary groups to use the funds for their intended purposes and ensure prompt repayment so that others can also benefit.

“The money should be invested in the projects specified in the application forms and repaid on time to avoid becoming a barrier to others and to build a good record for future funding rounds,” she said. CCM weighs in The CCM Mbeya District Chairman, Mr Ackim Mwalupindi, said the loans are issued in accordance with legal procedures, analysis and selection criteria, without favouritism.

“These loans are like a race. If you miss out today, prepare yourself for the next round.

Those who did not succeed should not lose hope but plan better next time,” he said. Beneficiaries speak Some beneficiaries said the government’s 10 percent loan initiative has helped lift them out of poverty and reduced vulnerability, especially among women in marriage.

“Basically, the government has wiped away our tears. In the past, many women suffered because they depended entirely on marriage, which exposed them to mistreatment,” said Mr Sekela Mwakilasa.

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Arusha. As Prime Minister, Dr Mwigulu Nchemba, prepares for a three-day official visit to Arusha region, local residents have shared their expectations for the tour.

Dr Mwigulu is scheduled to visit three districts in Arusha from Sunday, February 22 to Tuesday, 24, 2026. Residents hope the visit will address key challenges, including land disputes, poor road infrastructure, and limited access to water. Some expressed confidence that, as he has previously listened to and resolved citizens’ complaints elsewhere, the Prime Minister will also tackle long-standing issues in Arusha.

Speaking to The Citizen’s sister newspaper Mwananchi on Saturday, February 21, 2026, residents said land disputes and deteriorating roads have severely affected social and economic activities. A resident of Muriet Ward, Mr Elias Jonathan, said the lack of clean, safe water forces residents to spend long hours fetching it.

“Sometimes we suffer when water supply is cut without prior notice. We have heard of large water projects, yet we still face water shortages without warning,” he said.

Another resident of Arusha City, Mr Naiman Laizer added that many roads, including internal ones, are in poor condition, causing traffic congestion and disrupting economic activities. “Many internal roads are in a terrible state.

We have raised our concerns repeatedly, and we believe that with the Prime Minister visiting as the government’s chief executive, he will help solve this issue. We hope the roads will be repaired,” he said.

Another resident, Ms Neema Wilfred, said land disputes remain a major challenge in the region, especially in peripheral areas. “Some people are exploited due to lack of knowledge of laws and procedures.

Others have taken their cases to various offices but no action has been taken. We hope that when he listens to these complaints, solutions will be found,” she said.

“There are many disputes, including between districts and villages. We believe that with his visit, many disputes will be resolved, and vulnerable citizens who do not know where to turn will get justice,” she added.

RC speaks on the visit Addressing the tour, Arusha Regional Commissioner Amos Makalla said the Prime Minister will undertake a three-day working visit covering Arusha, Arumeru, and Longido districts. He said during the visit, Dr Nchemba will inspect, inaugurate, and lay foundation stones for various projects, and hold public meetings to hear citizens’ grievances.

Mr Makalla said the Prime Minister will begin in Arumeru District tomorrow (Sunday), laying the foundation stone for a modern hostel at Nelson Mandela African Institute of Science and Technology (NM-AIST), inspecting expansion works at Oturmet District Hospital, and holding a public meeting at Ngaramtoni. On Monday, February 23, 2026, he will be in Longido District to receive updates on a major water project in Sinya Ward, inaugurate Sinya Secondary School, visit the One Stop Border Post in Namanga, and conclude the day with a public meeting in Namanga.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, the Prime Minister will conclude the tour in Arusha District, inspecting the main bus terminal development in Bondeni City, laying the foundation stone for Kilombero Market, and holding a public meeting at the market. “After completing these three days, he will proceed to Dodoma for other official duties and later continue visits to three other districts — Monduli, Karatu, and Ngorongoro,” said Mr Makala.

“I urge residents to attend these meetings in large numbers, as he will listen to their various concerns,” he added. .

Rap icon Jay-Z is celebrating three decades in the music industry with the launch of a new anniversary website JayZ30.com commemorating a career that has helped shape modern hip-hop. The milestone coincides with the 30th anniversary of his 1996 single Dead Presidents, a track widely regarded as one of the defining songs of his early career.

The single, originally released through Roc-A-Fella Records, is now available on digital streaming platforms for the first time, giving fans access to a classic that had long been missing online due to rights issues. The re-release highlights the importance of Dead Presidents, a song that helped establish Jay-Z’s reputation ahead of his debut album, Reasonable Doubt, which will also mark its 30th anniversary later this year.

To accompany the celebrations, limited-edition physical copies of the single including vinyl, CD and cassette are being sold exclusively through the anniversary website. The project offers a nostalgic look back at the early days of Jay-Z’s career while underlining his enduring influence on the global rap scene.

As part of the anniversary rollout, the rapper has also revived the original stylised spelling of his stage name, “JA-Z”, on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. The version reflects how his name appeared during the release of Reasonable Doubt in 1996. Thirty years on, Jay-Z remains one of the most influential figures in hip-hop, and the return of Dead Presidents serves as a reminder of the music that first established his legacy.

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Arusha. The High Court, Geita Sub-Registry, has dismissed an application by Daniel James seeking an extension of time to file a judicial review challenging his dismissal from public service.

The application, number 32222/2025, was lodged against the Secretary to the President’s Office, the Tanzania Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Attorney General and the Bukombe District Council. Mr James had applied for leave to institute judicial review proceedings against the Secretary to the President’s Office, who upheld the termination of his employment on August 6, 2023. The ruling was delivered on February 20, 2026, by Judge Griffin Mwakapeje, who presided over the matter.

Judge Mwakapeje said that after considering the parties’ submissions, the court found that the only issue for determination was whether the applicant had shown sufficient cause to warrant an extension of time. He noted that leave to file for judicial review ought to have been sought within six months (by February 6, 2024).

Court records show the applicant took no action within the prescribed period and instead filed the application 11 months later without explanation. Although the applicant cited illness as the reason for the delay, evidence showed the illness occurred between February 2025 and July 2025. It therefore could not justify the delay between February 2024 and January 2025. In his affidavit, James stated that after receiving the decision and filing case number 531/2025, it was dismissed on February 24, 2025, on grounds of legal defects.

He said that while attempting to rectify the defects, he developed high blood pressure from February 28 and suffered serious complications that prevented him from pursuing the matter. He was admitted from March 2 to March 16, 2025, and received treatment.

He argued that the illness was beyond his control and impaired his ability to file the application within the statutory time frame for judicial review matters. For their part, the respondents opposed the application, arguing that the applicant failed to account for the entire period of delay and did not demonstrate sufficient cause, contending that the delay resulted from his own negligence and lack of diligence.

The government maintained that under the law, applications for leave to file judicial review must be made within six months of the contested decision, which in this case lapsed on February 6, 2024. They submitted that even where the court exercises discretion to extend time, an applicant must advance lawful grounds. They further argued that his reliance on illness was unsubstantiated, citing a medical report from Bukombe District Hospital.

While Mr James claimed he suffered from high blood pressure, there was no evidence indicating the precise dates of treatment. The court held that the delay in filing the application was excessive, unsupported by sufficient cause, and liable to dismissal with costs.

Mr James, who appeared in person, maintained that during his illness he prioritised his health over the case and urged the court to consider his circumstances and allow the application. Court ruling In its judgment, the court acknowledged that illness may constitute a valid ground for extension of time if properly substantiated.

However, it observed that the applicant’s illness arose almost a year after the statutory time limit had expired, and he was required to provide satisfactory reasons, particularly for the period preceding his illness. The court stated that the applicant ought to have explained the entire period of delay from February 6, 2024, to January 8, 2025, which he failed to do.

“Sufficient cause must account for the entire period of delay,” the judgment reads, adding that even a delay of a single day must be fully explained in line with principles established by the High Court. Consequently, the court dismissed the application for want of legal basis, without making any order as to costs.

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Dar es Salaam. Oryx Gas Tanzania has described this year’s rare convergence of two fasting seasons as a powerful symbol of national unity.

In a rare occurrence, both Muslims and Christians commenced their holy fasts this week: the 30-day Ramadhan for Muslims and the 40-day Lent for Christians. Speaking in Dar es Salaam on Friday, February 21, 2026, during the launch of the ‘Pishi la Kibabe’ promotion, Oryx Gas Tanzania managing director, Mr Benoit Araman, said the initiative aims to encourage clean energy use during this unique period of shared devotion.

“This is a significant concept for togetherness which I want to spread throughout the Tanzanian community,” said Mr Araman, noting that Oryx Gas remains a pioneer in the energy sector. He reaffirmed the company’s commitment to promoting clean cooking energy nationwide, aiming to ensure every Tanzanian household owns at least one gas cylinder.

The ‘Pishi la Kibabe’ promotion is specifically designed to drive the adoption of clean energy during the Ramadhan and Lent seasons. “My team and I intend to expand this campaign through such incentives so more users can adopt clean energy plans.

I urge families to use Oryx Gas during these holy months, when evening cooking increases significantly,” insisted Mr Araman. Earlier, Oryx Gas Tanzania marketing and sales manager, Mr Shaban Fundi, said the promotion includes a price reduction for the six-kilogramme cylinder, which will retail at Sh37,000 nationwide.

He said customers purchasing or refilling gas at designated Oryx outlets and ‘Mangi’ shops would receive instant Iftar gifts as a token of gratitude. “Our slogan is ‘What differentiates us is our unity.

‘ We believe the most meaningful moments happen at the table when families cook, fast, and pray together,” said Mr Fundi. He explained that the initiative is a way of standing with the community, inviting Tanzanians to “Cook together, fast together with Oryx Gas” for safety, affordability, and reliability.

Regarding costs, Mr Fundi noted that while a six-kilogramme cylinder costs at least Sh80,000 to land in the country, Oryx typically retails it at S0,000, further discounted to Sh37,000 during this campaign. “We have lowered prices to enable more people to access clean energy.

We also thank the government for tax exemptions on cylinders and other supportive efforts,” he added. Comparing costs, he argued that charcoal and firewood are more expensive than Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), noting that a typical family using one tin of charcoal daily spends Sh2,000, totalling Sh60,000 a month, whereas an Oryx cylinder costs only S0,000. Oryx Gas head of sales, Ms Caroline Sokwa, said that as Muslims and Christians unite in prayer and repentance, families will be preparing special meals to break their fasts.

“Through Pishi la Kibabe, we have reduced prices to empower citizens. I urge all Tanzanians to remain united and pray for our nation,” she said.

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Arusha. Alternative mechanisms for financing the bloc, amid persistent delays by some member states in remitting their statutory contributions, and the appointment of a new East African Community (EAC) Secretary General will top the agenda of an emergency meeting of the Heads of State.

The EAC Heads of State are set to convene an emergency summit on March 7, 2026, called by the current bloc chairperson and President of Kenya, William Ruto. The meeting will take place in Arusha, home to the organisation’s headquarters.

The regional bloc was revived in 1999 by the then presidents Ali Hassan Mwinyi of Tanzania, Daniel arap Moi of Kenya and Yoweri Museveni of Uganda. For years, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda have largely met their annual obligations, while several other partner states have fallen behind, placing a heavier burden on compliant countries.

The EAC Council of Ministers has proposed an alternative model under which partner states would contribute according to the size of their economies, measured by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), similar to the system used by the African Union (AU). However, the proposal has met resistance, particularly from Kenya, which would shoulder a significantly higher financial obligation under the revised formula.

As of January 31, 2026, only Tanzania and Kenya had settled their contributions in full, while others had paid partially. The delays have disrupted operations within the community, including late salary payments to staff and reduced subsistence allowances for official travel.

More than $89 million in arrears have reportedly not been remitted to the EAC Secretariat, affecting the functioning of the bloc’s key organs; the Secretariat, the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) and the East African Court of Justice (EACJ). The summit is also expected to consider firm recommendations aimed at strengthening the bloc’s financial sustainability and reviewing the current equal-contribution model, under which each country contributes $7 million annually to run the three organs and affiliated institutions.

A cost-cutting plan is also under consideration to streamline the organisation, which currently employs about 400 staff members, with the aim of making it leaner and more efficient. Race for Secretary General Since the revival of the Community in 1999, the position of Secretary General has rotated among partner states to promote unity and shared ownership of the bloc.

Those who have previously held the post include Francis Muthaura, Amanya Mushega, Juma Mwapachu, Richard Sezibera, Liberat Mfumukeko, Peter Mathuki and Veronica Nduva. Kenya’s term ends in March this year, and the summit is expected to announce a new Secretary General to serve a five-year term.

South Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda are said to be frontrunners to produce the next office holder, with Tanzania and Uganda viewed favourably as founding members that have consistently honoured their financial obligations. Expert opinion A senior lecturer in international law at Tumaini University Makumira, Prof Elifuraha Laltaika, described the failure by some partner states to pay their contributions on time as a sign of weak political will.

“While it is commendable that President Ruto has convened an emergency meeting, the issue of non-payment should not even arise. This Community should serve as a model for other regional blocs in Africa,” he said.

He added that the situation suggests the bloc still has a long journey towards becoming people-centred, noting that leaders who do not prioritise the Community can easily delay or withhold contributions. “The contributions of each partner state are the lifeblood of the Community.

It is disappointing that some founding countries emphasise expanding markets for their goods without showing equal commitment to financing the institution,” he said. Prof Laltaika warned that failure to honour statutory annual payments undermines regional integration, as the EAC’s operations depend entirely on funding from partner states.

Member states The East African Community currently comprises eight countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, South Sudan, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Somalia. .

The Catholic Church has lost one of its most prominent leaders, His Eminence Polycarp Cardinal Pengo. The Tanzania Episcopal Conference (TEC) has lost a pillar of ecclesial integrity.

The nation has lost a moral voice who was ever ready to offer counsel for the common good. His passing comes at a time of other national challenges.

Our leaders are dispersed, preoccupied with containing various crises. As we mourn Cardinal Pengo, therefore, it is important that we “mourn properly.

” Bishop Bagonza offers this counsel: Cardinal Pengo and TEC are inseparable. One cannot profess love for Pengo while disparaging TEC, or vice versa.

Where common sense falters, exercise wisdom. The Catholic Church has been wounded by those who do not understand her structure.

In this period of mourning, let grief be honoured. Those unwilling to mourn should grant space to those who do.

Cardinal Pengo was a custodian of spiritual integrity. If you were not with him in his final days, do not hasten to speculate about his thoughts.

Only he and his Creator know his final disposition. Our duty is to pray for him, not to appropriate his legacy.

Cardinal Pengo served under six presidents. He knew them all; they knew him only in part.

Such is the Church. Presidents, good or otherwise, come and go, but the Church endures.

Let us not diminish that enduring institution as we pass through. I have shed light on the path; do not say you were not forewarned.

Cardinal Pengo was a Christian, a Catholic. There is no Catholic who is not a Christian, nor a Christian who is not a Catholic.

The unifying symbol is the Cross. Efforts to build national unity must not divide Christians into TEC, CCT, PCT, SDA or others.

All are Christians, even if some presume superiority. In the Church, there is no “Church with its own people.

” Cardinal Pengo firmly rejected the notion of a state religion. It was inappropriate then and remains so.

Christians who claim greater holiness than the Lord Jesus or the saints should dwell where they reside. My brothers who exalt themselves above the Apostle should live where he was born.

In our Tanzania, we all wear shoes and cloaks, yet Cardinal Pengo cherished the truth as upheld by TEC. Let us persuade one another, not persecute.

Rest in peace, our elder. Even the Luo mourn your passing.

Wishing you a blessed Lent and a holy Ramadhan. .