Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta has declared seven days of national mourning for fallen Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli who died on Wednesday night. Tanzania will on the other hand observe fourteen days of mourning.
Kenyatta made this declaration in a televised address on Thursday morning praising the fallen Tanzanian president as a “visionary ally.”
“On behalf of the government and people of Kenya, I convey our sincere condolences to the First lady of Tanzania Janeth Magufuli, their children, the entire Magufuli family and indeed affirm our deep solidarity with the government and people of Tanzania during this challenging time. Tanzania remains in our thoughts and prayers,” said Kenyatta.
He added, “Africa and the world has lost an illustrious leader whose vision, passion and immense leadership propelled the Nation of Tanzania forward and also steer the East Africa Community to closer integration. On the continental stage the late President Magufuli was a champion of pan Africanism.”
In addition, the Kenya Vs Tanzania international friendly match that was scheduled to take place this afternoon at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya has been called off following the death of Magufuli.