ODM leader Raila Odinga is among the leaders who have sent a message of condolence to the people of Burundi and the family of President Pierre Nkurunziza.
President Nkurunziza died at the age of 55 and has been in power since the year 2005.
The death of Burundi president was announced in a statement by the Burundian government on Tuesday evening. The statement says he died as a result of a heart attack at 55 years of age.
On Wednesday, Raila consoled the Burundians and said he would pray for them.
“I wish the people of Burundi peace, hope and stability at this moment of mourning following the death of President Pierre Nkurunziza. Our thoughts are with the First Family. May Burundi’s institutions stand firmly for the country and the people,” the former opposition leader said.
President Uhuru Kenyatta also eulogized the outgoing Burundi President as an outstanding regional counterpart who served his country with distinction as the Head of State and government.
On Tuesday night, Uhuru said Nkurunziza worked tirelessly for the peace and stability of his country.
The president said the death had robbed East Africa of a prominent leader whose contribution to the integration and progress of the region shall be sorely missed.
He also prayed for God’s calming comfort as the family, people of Burundi and East Africans mourn their departed leader.
The death of Nkurunziza comes a few days after his wife Denise Nkurunziza was airlifted to Kenya from Bujumbura to receive treatment for coronavirus.
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Over a week ago, Burundi citizens went to the ballot to elect a new president after President Pierre Nkurunziza stood down after his 15-year reign.
His bid for a 3rd term in office in 2015 plunged the country into crisis. The violence caused more than 1000 deaths and displaced hundreds of thousands. Police began a crackdown on the opposition and the media.
Burundi will observe a 7-day mourning period starting from Tuesday.
