BY SUKHDEV CHHATBAR
• A generous heart, a friendship to remember
When I relocated from Dar es Salaam to Arusha in 1997 to head the Northern Zone bureau of the government-owned Daily News and Sunday News, I initially felt out of place.
I had spent most of my life, including my school years, in the bustling city of Dar es Salaam. Adjusting to a new home took time, but among those whose sincere friendship helped me settle was the late Richard Yesaya Kitwika.
One link between us was his close friendship with journalist Lucas Liganga, who also worked for the Daily News and Sunday News in Arusha.
Every encounter with Kitwika was filled with life and laughter. His generosity was such that I cannot recall ever paying my own bill whenever we gathered.
Although I was much younger, he treated me with respect and valued my work as a journalist.
I also remember his commitment to the “Friends of Mpumilwa” group, which helped organise the send-off ceremony for Danford Mpumilwa’s eldest daughter, Leah, late last year. It was another expression of the care he extended to his friends and their families.
My last encounter with him was about four months ago, near Impala Roundabout.
It was a Sunday. He was walking slowly, carrying a Bible. I stopped to greet him.
“Shikamoo Mzee. Where are you going? Can I give you a lift?” I asked.
He laughed and addressed me by the shortened name he used for me.
“Suk Chat, because it is you, I will accept your gesture. Please drop me at the Lutheran Church along Goliondoi Street.”
I gladly drove him there.
During our conversation, he said he read The Arusha News thoroughly and enjoyed it. He offered warm congratulations on our work.
We agreed to meet again. Little did I know that the brief Sunday encounter would be our last.
I will remember Kitwika for his laughter, his generous heart and the friendship that helped me make Arusha feel like home.
May God rest his soul in eternal peace.
