It was with much regret and sadness that we learned of the recent death of Mayor Philip Kivuyo.

We at the United African Alliance Community Center UAACC have fond memories of the several years that we worked closely with Mayor Kivuyo on various projects including medical supplies for our community; educational contests in schools and our Heal the Community exchange programs. Mayor Kivuyo was always there to lend a hand and support our community programs by both his presence and by his active participation.

Mayor Kivuyo was instrumental in ensuring the success and strength of our Sister City relationship with Kansas City established in 1997. He always was on hand to welcome delegations from Kansas City, often feting them with not only wonderful dinners but sincere good will too. He received many visitors including the former Mayor of Kansas City, the Honorable Rev. Emanuel Cleaver who came to Arusha in 1997 to officially inaugurate the Sister City relationship; the co Chairs of the Arusha- Kansas City Sister City Committee, Dr. Jim Dougherty and State Representative Dr. Yvonne Wilson, and scores of others from that American Midwestern states of Kansas and Missouri.

Dr. Jim Dougherty, who is also Executive Director of the nationally recognized DeLaSalle Education Center in Kansas City had this to say in a letter of condolence…"

"On behalf of the Sister City of Kansas City-Arusha organization, we are

deeply saddened by the untimely passing of the respected Counsellor and

former Mayor of Arusha, Phillip Kivuyo. We remember with fondness the

wonderful hospitality extended to the citizens of Kansas City by former

Mayor Kivuyo, who always took the time to welcome delegations from Kansas

City who traveled to Arusha to enjoy the beauty and wonder of your

outstanding municipality. In addition, we remember the groundbreaking

visit of then Mayor Kivuyo when he traveled to the USA and Kansas City

some years ago to meet with the leaders and elected officials of Kansas

City. Please accept the condolences and sympathy of the citizens of Kansas City for the citizens of Arusha Municipality, and especially to the family of

Counsellor Phillip Kivuyo, for your great loss."

Indeed folks in Kansas City still talk about the time that Mayor Kivuyo accompanied the Kansas City Mayor to a Maasai village in Mkonoo and helped to arrange a special ceremony that made Mayor Cleaver an honorary elder in the Maasai community. This ceremony was one of the highlights of Mayor Cleaver’s visit to Arusha, his very first time in Africa, and he often recalled how he, as an African American, was able to get in touch with his ‘roots’ during that traditional ritual. Mayor Cleaver continues to proudly display the elders’ kiti, the fly whisk and other Maasai accessories that Mayor Kivuyo presented him with.

Mayor Kivuyo was likewise warmly welcomed as a brother, by one and all during his reciprocal visit to Kansas City where he spoke at the City Hall about the assets of Tanzania in general and Arusha in particular, visited both civic leaders and our friends and family and checked out and learned from the various industries and business centers that he visited. He was constantly looking for opportunities for Arushans and Kansas Citians to cooperate to the benefit of each community.

My husband, Pete O’Neal and I became good friends with Mayor Kivuyo over the years. We will miss his hearty laughter and his ever ready encouragement and practical support.

We pray that his family will find peace in remembrance of the fine fellow that he was and we hope that the legacy of community service that he left behind will not be forgotten.