Uhuru declares three days of national mourning for Tanzania’s Benjamin Mkapa

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President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday announced that Kenya would observe three days of national mourning following the death of former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa.

This will take effect on Monday, July 27, through to Wednesday, July 29, 2020.

Through a Presidential Proclamation, President Kenyatta further instructed that during this period, the Kenyan Flag and the Flag of the East African Community shall fly at half-mast.

In his message, the Head of State said that the world had lost a shining example of humanity and a peacemaker who always advocated for justice.

He also praised the late Mkapa’s efforts in uniting Kenya during the 2007/8 post-election violence.

“He will forever be remembered for his role as the Mediator and the Facilitator of the Inter-Burundi Dialogue (IBD), a process that was instrumental in successfully chaperoning Burundi towards its first ever peaceful and democratic Presidential Elections and the smooth transition thereafter.

“In Kenya, we shall forever be grateful for the pivotal role played by the Late President Mkapa in the mediation process that ended the 2007/2008 post-election violence and political impasse that resulted thereafter.

“Our Nation’s peace, reconciliation and greater unity can be directly linked to the spirited actions, wisdom, mediation and sacrifice of the Late President Mkapa and his colleagues on the Panel of Eminent Persons,” said President Kenyatta.

Adding: “The Great Mzee Mkapa now rests in Heaven, receiving his well-deserved reward for a life dedicated to making his Community, Country, Region, Continent, and Planet a better place. Indeed, Tanzania, Kenya, East Africa, Africa, and the World are far better today due to the works and dedication of the Great Mzee Mkapa.

“Journey well, Mzee. Asante Sana, na Mwenyezi Mungu Akuweke Mahali Pema Peponi.”