John Pombe Magufuli: Uhuru Kenyatta 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
Trending topics on the go: How we write news at YEN.com.gh
President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent out a condolence message to Tanzanians following the death of President John Pombe Magufuli.
Source: Getty Images
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.
Enjoy reading our stories? Join YEN.com.gh's Telegram channel!
Download YEN's news app on Google Play now and stay up-to-date with major Ghana news
Source: YEN.com.gh
Ebenezer Agbey Quist (HOD Human-Interest) Ebenezer Agbey Quist is the Head of the Human Interest Desk at YEN.com.gh. He has a BSc in Chemical Engineering from KNUST (2017) with 8 years of experience as a writer and 3 years as an editor. He has certificates in AFP courses on digital investigation techniques. At YEN.com.gh, Ebenezer has won the Outstanding Achievement for Professional Conduct Award and the Best Human Interest Editor Award. He is also the author of 3 books. You can contact him via ebenezer.quist@yen.com.gh.
Aba Afful (Copyeditor) Maame Aba serves as a copy editor at YEN.com.gh. She naturally enjoys working with words and has an eye for quality content. She has a keen interest in cyberspace and wants to see YEN.com.gh produce more impactful, thought-provoking, and error-free content. Aba has five years of experience as a content writer, blogger, author, and proofreader. She graduated from the Ghana Institute of Journalism in 2017. She joined the team in 2021.
