Mkapa helped pull Kenya from edge of abyss after 2007 polls

President Mwai Kibaki (seated, left) and ODM leader Raila Odinga sign a coalition agreement outside Harambee House. Benjamin Mkapa is standing behind Raila. [File]

Former Tanzania President Benjamin Mkapa, who died yesterday aged 81, was instrumental in peace talks that ended Kenya’s post-election violence 12 years ago.

Mkapa, who ruled from 1995 to 2005, flew into the country in January 2008 following the disputed re-election of President Mwai Kibaki, which was challenged by ODM leader Raila Odinga.