President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the world leaders in mourning South Africa's anti-apartheid hero and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Desmond Tutu.
In a message of condolence to President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Sunday, December 26, Uhuru remembered Archbishop Tutu as an African icon of freedom, peace and reconciliation.
Uhuru stated that the passing away of Archbishop Tutu is a big blow not only to the Republic of South Africa. He went on to commend the South African icon for leaving behind a huge footprint as an anti-apartheid hero.
The Head of State further described the Archbishop as an inspiration to a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle.
"The passing away of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a big blow not only to the Republic of South Africa where he leaves behind huge footprints as an anti-apartheid hero but to the entire African continent where he is deeply respected and celebrated as a peacemaker.
"Through his distinguished work over the years as a cleric, freedom fighter and peacemaker, Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle," President Kenyatta stated.
He further wished President Ramaphosa, South Africans and the family of the former head of the South African Anglican Church comfort as they come to terms with his demise.
"To my brother President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic of South Africa and the family, friends and relatives of Archbishop Tutu, I pray to God to cover you all with his calming fortitude during this difficult period of mourning," Uhuru consoled.
Archbishop Tutu was a long-serving Anglican Church cleric and anti-apartheid campaigner who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
He was later appointed to chair South Africa's post-apartheid Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Tutu coined the phrase "the Rainbow Nation", which is often used in post-apartheid South Africa.
He had been fighting prostate cancer for about 20 years.
