Monica Magufuli, sister to Tanzanian President John Magufuli has passed on.
According to local media, Ms. Magufuli,63, died on sunday morning at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza where she had been admitted for treatment.
Government spokesman Gerson Msigwa confirmed the tragic news to the First Family on Monday morning.
“I am sad to inform you (the public) that the sister to President Magufuli, Monica Joseph Magufuli has passed away this morning (yesterday) at Bugando Hospital in Mwanza," he said.
Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, on his Twitter account, conveyed his condolences to Mr. Magufuli, his close ally.
Raila said: "I have learnt with sorrow of the passing of Ms. Monica Joseph Magufuli, sister to H.E President @MagufuliJP My sincere condolences to the family and the people of Tanzania at this time of mourning. We are together in sorrow."
So close is Raila with Magufuli family that he was hosted when the president won 2015 elections.
In 2013, Mr. Magufuli, then Roads Minister, joined Raila in ODM campaigns moments to elections.
The two would also unite in 2015 when Raila's son, Fidel Odinga died.