President William Ruto has led the nation in mourning the death of former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday.
In a statement issued on Monday, President Ruto described Buhari’s passing as a great loss not only to Nigeria but to the entire African continent, noting his immense contribution to liberation struggles and regional development.
“On behalf of the Government and People of the Republic of Kenya, I extend our deepest and heartfelt condolences to Your Excellency, the Government, and the people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria upon the passing of H.E. President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,” Ruto stated.
He praised the former Nigerian leader as a man of wisdom and unwavering dedication to public service, highlighting his anti-corruption drive, efforts in strengthening regional security, and his role in advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.
President Ruto also fondly recalled Buhari’s State Visit to Nairobi in January 2016, describing it as a milestone in strengthening bilateral ties between Kenya and Nigeria.
He further acknowledged Buhari’s congratulatory message following his election in August 2022, calling it a reflection of the former leader’s faith in democratic governance and commitment to Pan-African unity.
“In this time of grief, Kenya stands in solidarity with the Government and People of Nigeria,” Ruto added. “May the legacy of President Buhari continue to inspire us in our collective pursuit of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity across Africa.”
The President concluded by sending personal condolences to Buhari’s family and reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to maintaining the strong bonds between the two nations.
Buhari, a former military general who campaigned on rooting out government corruption, died at age 82, the presidential press office said in a statement on Sunday.
He died in London at about 4:30pm after a “prolonged illness,” according to the statement.
A former general who first came to power in a 1983 military coup, only to be overthrown by another military coup two years later, Buhari will be remembered for his strong anti-corruption agenda in Nigeria.
A Fulani Muslim, he was born in Daura, Katsina state, in Nigeria’s northern province in December 1942 and completed military training in Kaduna state, Great Britain, India, and the United States.
