President Kenyatta leads political leaders in mourning former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has on Friday July 24 sent his message of condolence to the family and the people of Tanzania following the death of the Tanzanian Former President Banjamin Mkapa.

Mkapa who died aged 81 while receiving treatment at a hospital in Dar es-Salaam Tanzania, led the country for ten years between 1995 and 2005 before handing over power to Jakaya Kikwete.

In his message of comfort, President Kenyatta mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region.

Uhuru wished the family of the Former President and all Tanzanians God’s comfort and fortitude as they mourn their departed leader.

Former Prime Minister and ODM Party Leader Raila Odinga also mourned Mkapa as a great friend of the Kenyan people.

In a statement Raila stated that Mkapa was a pan-Africanist, a true believer in South-South Cooperation and a global statesman.

“In Kenya we retain fond memories of his mediation efforts alongside Dr Koffi Annan and Graca Machel that helped the country return to peace after the 2007-2008 election violence,” he said.

Raila said Mkapa believed in Regional Integration and championed the revival of the East Africa Community.

“In his death, Africa has lost a giant. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, President John Pombe Magufuli and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania,” he added.

Nairobi governor Mike Sonko also mourned Mkapa.

“It’s with great sorrow that I have learnt the passing on of Mkapa. On behalf of the people of Nairobi City County and that of my family, I send our deepest condolences to his family, friends and the people of Tanzania,” he said.

Sonko said Mkapa will be greatly remembered for his crucial role in the mediation panel of Eminent African Personalities led by former UN SG Koffi Annan that ended the 2007 post-election violence.

Other leaders who have mourned the fallen leader are Wiper Party Leader Kalonzo Musyoka, Council of Governors’ Chair Wycliffe Oparanya, former Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale among others.

It is with deep sadness and sorrow that I learnt of the passing of a good friend and Tanzania former President Benjamin William Mkapa, 81, he was a strong pillar in uniting the region and served the people of Tanzania with great deligence. Rest in Peace dear friend. pic.twitter.com/1xhjGltP3m

— Kalonzo Musyoka (@skmusyoka) July 24, 2020

Nimesikitishwa sana kwa kifo cha aliyekuwa Rais wa tatu wa Jamhuri ya Muungano wa Tanzania Mhe. Benjamin William Mkapa.

Rambirambi zangu za pole kwa familia pamoja na wananchi wa Tanzania.

Mungu ailaze roho yake mahali pema. pic.twitter.com/q0ghTvNB1S

— Wycliffe A. Oparanya (@GovWOparanya) July 24, 2020