AfricaPress-Kenya: President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent his condolences to the first Lady of Tanzania Janet Magufuli after the death of President John Magufuli while he announced a 7-day mourning period in Kenya.
He noted that the world has lost an illustrious leader whose passion propelled Tanzania forward.
“On the continental stage, Magufuli was a champion of Pan-Africanism,” said Uhuru describing him as an ally and friend.
Uhuru ordered that Kenya’s flag and that of the East African community will be flown at half-mast in all public buildings and spaces throughout the country from Thursday, March 18 until the day of the funeral.
“I remember the many times we met to discuss development for our countries. He visited Kenya and launched the Southern Bypass.
“Personally, he respected me after insisting he wanted to visit my mother Mama Ngina Kenyatta. He invited me to visit him in Chatu and I got the opportunity to meet his mother. We spent the night at the home,” added Uhuru
The president further promised to work closely with the incoming President Suluhu Hassan, Magufuli’s deputy.
Magufuli passed on at the age of 61 on the night of Wednesday, March 17.
His death was announced by Tanzanian Vice President Samia Hassan Suluhu after weeks of speculation about his whereabouts.
He had been last seen in public on February 27, 2021.
ODM leader Raila Odinga eulogised late Tanzanian President John Magufuli as a close friend who stood by him and his family.
“It is with deep sadness that I have learned of the passing of my friend, President Magufuli. He and his family have been close friends for a long time.
“He’s been by my side at my most difficult and painful moments. My condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania,” Odinga wrote on Twitter.
Football Kenya Federation boss Nick Mwendwa confirmed that a football match between Kenya and Tanzania which was set for Thursday has been cancelled.
