Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Energy, Dr. Doto Biteko, yesterday represented President Samia Suluhu Hassan at the funeral of retired Lutheran Bishop Dr. Martin Fatael Shao, describing him as a leader who left a permanent mark on both the church and society.
Bishop Shao, who passed away on August 25, 2025, was laid to rest in a service attended by thousands of mourners at the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tanzania (ELCT).
In his message, Dr. Biteko conveyed President Samia’s condolences to the bereaved family, church leaders, relatives, and friends, assuring them of the government’s solidarity during this time of mourning.
“Our elder, the late Bishop Shao, began serving the church as a young man and carried out great work that is evident to all today. He has left a lasting mark through his service,” Dr. Biteko said.
He added that Bishop Shao’s commitment to ministry extended even after his retirement, as he continued to guide and counsel both the church and the wider community.
ELCT Presiding Bishop Dr. Alex Malasusa described the late Bishop Shao as a model of humility, a virtue he said is becoming increasingly rare in society.
“Leaders like Dr. Shao are hard to find. He was a humble and attentive servant who achieved much both within and beyond his congregation. Through evangelism, he spread the Gospel across Tanzania and abroad with great dedication,” Dr. Malasusa said.
He urged believers to treat funerals not just as moments of grief, but also as opportunities to reflect on their own lives. “We should never grow accustomed to funerals. Each should give us time to rethink the path we are taking,” he added.
The service drew a large number of mourners and leaders, including retired Prime Minister Frederick Sumaye, Minister for Education, Science and Technology Prof. Adolf Mkenda, Kilimanjaro Regional Commissioner Nurdin Babu, and CHAUMMA’s presidential candidate Salum Mwalimu.