Uhuru mourns former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to President John Joseph Pombe Magufuli, the People of the United Republic of Tanzania and the family of Former President Benjamin Mkapa who passed away earlier today.

In his message of comfort, the President mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region.

President Kenyatta wished the family of the Former President and all Tanzanians God's comfort and fortitude as they mourn their departed leader.

ODM leader Raila Odinga described Mkapa as a great friend of Kenya who came through during the 2007 post-election violence.

Further, he lauded his leadership skills saying Africa had lost a giant.

“I mourn former President Benjamin Mkapa, a great friend of the Kenyan people, a pan-Africanist, a true believer in South-South Cooperation and a global statesman.

“In Kenya we retain fond memories of his mediation efforts alongside Dr Koffi Annan and Graca Machel that helped the country return to peace after the 2007-2008 election violence,” tweeted Odinga.

Adding: “Mkapa believed in Regional Integration and championed the revival of the East Africa Community. In his death, Africa has lost a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, President John Pombe Magufuli and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania.”

The news of Mkapa’s demise was confirmed by President John Pombe Magufuli who revealed that the former Head of State died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dar es Salaam.

Magufuli asked Tanzanians to pray for the family of the deceased.

Mkapa was 81.