PRAYERS AND BURIAL OF BROADCASTER FREDDY MTOI- A VERY NICE GUY

Living in London last couple of years I have never heard so much shock and sadness. News of  Broadcaster Freddy Mtoi’s death in the early hours of Saturday 17th November hit the Tanzanian community unbelievably hard...

The late soft spoken broadcaster (right) interviewing local Tanzanian celebrity musician Amani Temba of the Wanaume band in London last year. Pic by Urban Pulse...

Freddy Mtoi was a part-time journalist with BBC Swahili Radio and in the eight years he had lived here, maintained a low profile, out of bounds – a very quiet, modest, highly intelligent reporter and researcher who cared so much about his work that nothing else was known about the University of Dar es Salaam law graduate. In my personal experience with him - he was punctual, cordial, honest and very good at bringing the best out of you. He interviewed me several times in a wide range of issues- arts, music, social affairs and politics. Mtoi always made me play my music to accompany the programs- a great appreciator of other people's efforts and labour.

Freddy Alex Mtoi- described as kind, disciplined and very well mannered by all those who knew him...

In a statement released by BBC Swahili tonight, it is said the 39 year old broadcaster who began working in media over ten years ago, was doing his Masters in Digital Media before his death. 

A special service will be held in his memory  on Saturday 1st December, 11 a.m. at St Anne's Lutheran Church, Gresham Street, London, EC2V.

Mtoi's body is expected to be flown to Dar es Salaam by British Airways on Monday and burial is expected in Kinondoni grounds- Wednesday 5th December , 3 pm  after  a service at Tabata Lutheran Church.
More info Contact:

Zawadi Machibya

BBC Swahili Co-ordinator of the memorial service

 +44 795 260 7038

May God Rest his Soul in Peace Amen! 

A MINISTER WITH ALOT TO SAY AND SCARS TO SHOW......

Introducing Dr. Harrison Mwakyembe, Tanzania's Minister for Transport last weekend at the Central Hall, Westminster, London chair for Britain- Tanzania Society, William Fulton's tone and words showed immense appreciation and respect.

A people's leader...Minister Dr. Mwakyembe besieged by folks of all shades, gender and colour.

 At the end of his talk which covered two main topics: the re-writing of the Tanzanian constitution and state of travel industry,  MP and Minister Dr. Mwakyembe was thanked by Camden Town councillor Valerie Leach...

Councillor Councillor Leach thanks the Minister for his integrity a rare quality among current African leaders...pic by Rashid Dilunga.

Ms Leach who spent years working in Africa and Tanzania- in particular- addressed the minister in Kiswahili "Mheshimiwa" saying he reminded us all of the times of Mwalimu Nyerere...when "accountability and anti- corruption" were part of the political menu.

Julian Marcus (left) and Ron Fennel of the BTS...

Dr. Mwakyembe started out as a lawyer, BTs Chair Mr Fulton said then became Kyela MP in 2005. Thereafter he led the investigation into the Richmonds corruption scandal (2008) which saw resignation of top government guys including Prime Minister, Edward Ngoyai Lowassa...
Soon after Dr. Mwakyembe narrowly escaped a car accident  then the mysterious skin disease in 2011. Speculation to both cases has become the subject of intense media analysis....

The guest speaks; flanked by BTs chair, William Fulton (left). Pic by Rashid Dilunga...