John Pombe Magufuli: Kenyan President Declares 7 Days of National Mourning

- President Uhuru Kenyatta described Magufuli as a true friend and a visionary ally whose leadership will be missed by the international community

- He directed both the Kenya national flag and community's be flown half-mast from March 18 until sunset on burial day

- The Tanzanian leader died from heart-related complications, according to the country's Vice President Samia Suluhu

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent out a condolence message to Tanzanians following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli.

The head of state declared a seven-day national mourning in honour of the fallen president.

The national flag and the flag of East African Community would be flown half-mast from the afternoon of March 18 until the evening on the day of his burial.

The East African Community chaiperson described Magufuli as a true friend and a visionary ally whose immense leadership will be missed by the international community.

“I have lost a friend, a colleague and a visionary ally. In recognition of his strong legacy,..... I hereby order and direct the Republic of Kenya to observe a seven-day mourning. The flag of the East African Community and the flag of the Republic of Kenya, shall be flown at half-mast at all public building and public grounds,” he said.

The Tanzanian leader died on Wednesday, March 17, from heart-related complications, according to an announcement made by Vice President Samia Suluhu on state television.

According to Suluhu, Magufuli began feeling unwell and was taken to Jakaya Kikwete Heart Institute on Saturday, March 6.

On Sunday, March 7, he was discharged after assessment by cardiac specialists.

Change of guard

In line with Tanzanian constitution, the vice president will be sworn in to lead the populous East African nation for the reminder of the term which ends in 2025.

"Where the office of president becomes vacant because of death, resignation, loss of electoral qualifications or inability to perform his functions due to physical infirmity, or failure to discharge the duties and functions of the Office of President, then the vice-president shall be sworn in and become the president for the unexpired period of the term of five years and in accordance with the conditions set out in Article 40," reads Tanzania's constitution.

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Source: Briefly News