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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.”