After the passing away of the Tanzanian president last night as announced by his Vice President Samia Suluhu from a heart disease, President Uhuru Kenyatta led Kenyans this morning in mourning of the fallen visionary leader by conveying his condolences to the First Lady of Tanzania H.E Mrs. Janet Magufuli and the nation at large.
President Kenyatta in his speech said that Africa and the world has lost an illustrious leader, whose vision, passion and immense leadership propelled the Nation of Tanzania forward and also steered the East African Community to closer integration and cooperation. He referred to the late president as a close friend, a colleague, and a visionary ally whom he worked with closely, particularly on their commitment to forging lasting bonds between Kenya and Tanzania.
As a way of showing respect and honor to the late, His Excellency President John Pombe Magufuli, and in solidarity with the United Republic of Tanzania and East Africa Community at large, President Kenyatta said that Kenya will observe a period of seven days of national mourning. He went ahead to state that as a symbol of respect to the fallen leader, the flag of the East African Community and the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at all Public Buildings and Public grounds, and whenever else throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya and at all Kenya’s Diplomatic abroad; from forenoon on 18th March 2021 until sunset on the day of the funeral.
Following his demise, the late President John Pombe Magufuli will be remembered for declaring war on corruption, standing out for his dominating style of leadership, issuing commands and orders to those seen not to comply, proving he could solve challenges big and small in almost an instant hence branded the problem-solver-in-chief.
Like most of the leaders, the late president will also be remembered for his setbacks among them rolling back Tanzania’s democratic gains, making the country an unwelcome investment destination and denying the existence of the COVID-19 pandemic. He will also be remembered for shutting down the media, charging the rich, activists and politicians with economic crime cases which are not bailable offences under the Tanzanian Laws.
