President Uhuru Kenyatta visited the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Nairobi to pay respects to the late President John Pombe Magufuli. He was was accompanied by acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka and his National assembly counterpart Justin Muturi [Courtesy]

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday, March 20 visited the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Nairobi to pay respects to the late President John Pombe Magufuli.

Uhuru was accompanied by acting Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu, Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka and his National assembly counterpart Justin Muturi.

Uhuru said Magufuli was a close friend and Tanzania and Kenya will continue to be friendly allies even in future. He added that what is being experienced in Tanzania is also being felt in Kenya.

Uhuru cited Tanzania’s first President Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s efforts to unite the East African nations and promised to prolong relations between Kenya and Tanzania.

Senate and National assembly speakers Lusaka and Muturi said assemblies have set time apart to mourn Magufuli and re-call his efforts in re-uniting the region.

President Uhuru Kenyatta(R) with his Tanzania Counterpart John Magufuli addresses a joint press conference at State House in Nairobi [PHOTO:BONIFACE OKENDO]

Acting CJ Mwilu said Magufuli was a staunch leader but urged Christians to accept the will of God, saying Magufuli’s death happened during lent.

“We are together. We will stand in unity during this time. Pass our condolences to Suluhu. We are praying for her as a leader who is taking over during such difficult times,” said Uhuru.

Uhuru said Kenya and Tanzania will work together to finish Magufuli project.

Magufuli died on March 17, 2021 due to a heart failure. He will be buried on Thursday next week.

Samia Suluhu Hassan replaced him, and was sworn in yesterday as the sixth President of the East African nation.