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Uhuru torch hero is sick
2008-01-23 08:54:47
By Michael Haonga
Retired Tanzania People`s Defence Forces army officer Alexander Nyirenda (71), who erected the Uhuru torch on top of Mt. Kilimanjaro on the eve of Independence Day, December 9, 1961, is seriously ill.
The Uhuru Torch is the symbol of love, peace, solidarity and development in Tanzania.
Nyirenda, who is admitted to the Tanzania Heart Institute, is suffering from throat and heart complications. He needs USD 10,000 to cover his medical bills.
Dr Ferdinand Masau of the Tanzania Heart Institute told this paper that Nyirenda had undergone a second specialized medical check up since he was admitted to the institute and that results of various samples taken from his body were expected in a couple of days.
Dr Masau said once the results were out, it would be determined whether the retired army lieutenant should be referred abroad or undergo operation within the country.
He said as of now, Nyirenda was surviving on fluid nutrients such as water and highly diluted liquid diet.
According to Nyirenda’s daughter Hilder, who lives in Zambia, her father had been in sound health until when he fell sick.
Nyirenda`s son, Foti Gwebe, said they were trying to raise money as a family and from well- wishers living within and outside the country to foot the medical bill.
Nyirenda retired from the TPDF service in 1964 on his own will.
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