President Uhuru Kenyatta, on Friday 6, 2019, honored the death of former Zimbabwe president Robert Mugabe, by ordering that flags be raised half-mast for three days.
"As a mark of respect for the memory of this African hero and friend of our country, by the authority vested in me as president of the Republic of Kenya, I hereby order and direct that the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast throughout the Republic of Kenya from dawn on Saturday the 7th September 2019 until sunset, on Monday the 9th September," read part of the statement.
The gesture did not augur well with Kenyans, with some expressing strong objections against the president's decision to accord the infamous Zimbabwean leader such magnitude of respect.
"I’m just wondering. We lost over 200 soldiers to Alshabab attack in El Ade two years ago and he never honored them by ordering flags to fly at half mast!" Kopana stated.
"We've lost it. Mugabe was a shame to a common Zimbabwe citizen. The country went to the dogs under his watch despite starting off well. Thank God I do not own any Kenyan flag. I would lift the mast a little bit higher," Walubengo Wakoli weighed in.
"Nah, heroes leave their people in [a] better state than they found them. Dude couldn’t even establish a decent hospital to die in for the 37 yrs he was in power...the average Zimbabwean can’t even afford decent healthcare. If this is what translates to heroism, we should do without," Waluchiri commented.
Some of the Kenyans, however, praised the president for the act, citing that Mugabe was a hero and needed to be honored.
"A very firm and intelligent Robert Mugabe you lived ur best life!" Tanami commented.
"Should be accompanied by a holiday?" Kim questioned.
The late Mugabe died on Friday, September 6, at the age of 95. He had been ailing for several years.
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