A farewell service for Alute Lissu was held at the family home in Mahambe Village, Ikungi District, on Tuesday, November 10, 2026. The service was attended by family members and notable figures, including Chadema Mainland Vice-Chairman John Heche and Jenerali Ulimwengu. During the service, five family members, including Dr Vincent Lissu and lawyer Ikotri Lissu, took turns reading a tribute written by Tundu Lissu from prison.
The tribute, written by Tundu Lissu, recalled his last communication with Alute on October 27, 2026. In the message, Alute urged Tundu to abandon a hunger strike he had begun in prison, citing that legal struggles required courage, not death. Tundu Lissu had jokingly asked his brother to apologise for the message, unaware that it would be their last exchange. The emotional moment came when Dr Vincent explained that Tundu Lissu had written the tribute, hoping he would be free to read it personally during his brother's farewell.
The tribute also highlighted Alute Lissu's achievements, describing him as the second person in Singida Region to obtain a law degree, after Justice Kipenka. Additionally, the tribute mentioned that Alute had lived with diabetes and high blood pressure for many years. Furthermore, five members of the Lissu family have become lawyers, following Alute's example.
Speaking at the service, Mr Ikotri Lissu said the family had a long history of involvement in legal matters, dating back to their father, the late Agostin Lissu. Agostin Lissu had challenged various issues in court even before independence, including efforts to prevent the relocation of Mahambe Village. The family has been involved in several notable legal cases, including one involving former Arusha Urban MP Godbless Lema.
Mr Ikotri Lissu also recalled the legal case involving Godbless Lema, whom Tundu Lissu represented in a challenge over the loss of his parliamentary seat. Alute Lissu had supported the ruling Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM) side during the dispute. The attendance of notable figures, including John Heche and Jenerali Ulimwengu, demonstrated the respect and admiration for the Lissu family.
The farewell service was a testament to the impact Alute Lissu had on his community and family. The emotional tribute written by Tundu Lissu served as a reminder of the strong bond between the brothers. As the family continues to grieve, they take comfort in the legacy Alute Lissu left behind.
Key attendees at the service paid their respects to the Lissu family, including Saed Kubenea and Anthony Komu. The family's history of involvement in legal matters and their contributions to the community will be remembered for years to come. The Lissu family will continue to carry on Alute's legacy, inspired by his achievements and dedication to the law.
Key points
- Tundu Lissu wrote a heartfelt tribute to his late brother Alute from prison, which moved mourners to tears during the farewell service.
- The Lissu family has a long history of involvement in legal matters, with five members becoming lawyers, including Tundu and Alute Lissu.
- Alute Lissu was the second person in Singida Region to obtain a law degree, after Justice Kipenka, and had lived with diabetes and high blood pressure for many years.
