MARA, Oct. 14 -- MENTION the name Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere anywhere in Tanzania or beyond and attention immediately shifts.

All eyes would turn toward the son of a Zanaki chief from Butiama, in Mara Region, formerly part of the British colony of Tanganyika.

Born in a humble village but destined for greatness, Mwalimu Nyerere would go on to become the founding father of Tanzania and one of Africas most revered leaders.

As the country commemorates the 26th anniversary of his death, the question arises: How did this soft-spoken teacher from a remote village become not just the President of Tanganyika, but also co-founder of the United Republic of Tanzania alongside Zanzibars Abeid Amani Karume? Julius Nyerere was born on April 13,...