Uhuru Formally Pays Respects to Magufuli

President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Tanzania President Pombe Magufuli (right) enjoy a light moment after the former visited the later in Tanzania in July 2019
President Uhuru Kenyatta (left) and Tanzania President Pombe Magufuli (right) enjoy a light moment after the former visited the later in Tanzania in July 2019
PSCU

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday, March 20 made a special visit to the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Nairobi's Muthaiga estate to pay his respects to fallen President John Pombe Magufuli.

The Head of State was accompanied by senior state and government officials among them the speakers of Kenya's Bicameral Parliament, Ag. Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu and several cabinet secretaries. 

“We are here to mourn and comfort you for loosing a leader who was a true friend. He was not only committed to Tanzania's wellbeing but also for the East African region. It is unfortunate we have lost him,” President Kenyatta said.

President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with his late Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli at a previous press conference in 2017.
President Uhuru Kenyatta (right) with his late Tanzanian counterpart John Magufuli at a previous press conference in 2017.
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He encouraged President Samia Suluhu Hassan to stay strong during this hard time, stating that as leaders they should seek to continue with Magufuli's legacy to enable citizens attain development.

“We are praying for her. We want you to assure her of our support and that the good work our brother (President Magufuli) had began, we shall continue with it,” Uhuru said, speaking to High Commissioner John Stephen Simbachawene.

The departed Tanzanian leader will be buried at his Chato home on 25th March 2021. The body of Magufuli was also driven along the streets of Dar es Salaam, as Tanzanian citizens paid their respects to the former president.

"Thank you for showing support to Tanzanians and the East African Community at large. You have proven that the historic unity between Kenya and Tanzania still stands strong. We thank you for demonstrating your love for Tanzania and the East Africa region," said Simbachawene.

The president also mentioned how Tanzania's former President Julius Nyerere was ready to postpone his country's independence until all other East African countries had attained independence.

Uhuru had earlier sent his condolences to the former First Lady of Tanzania Janet Magufuli noting that the world had lost an illustrious leader whose passion propelled Tanzania forward.

"On the continental stage, Magufuli was a champion of Pan-Africanism," said Uhuru describing him as an ally and friend.

Uhuru, during his speech, also ordered that Kenya's flag and that of the East African community be flown at half-mast in all public buildings and spaces throughout the country in a 7-day mourning period in Kenya.

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