DP William Ruto mourns President John Magufuli

Tanzania's President John Magufuli welcomes Deputy President William Ruto on arrival for the 18th Heads of State of the East African Community Summit at State House in Dar es Salaam in May 2017. [File, Standard]

Deputy President William Ruto has said the legacy that late John Pombe Magufuli leaves is that of a bold, fearless and visionary leader.

In a statement sent to newsrooms on Thursday morning, Ruto said, “The late President was a unique leader who came from humble beginnings, rising steadily in the ranks of public service through diligence, consistency and commitment.”

He named Magufuli as a leader who was always powered by the courage of his convictions adding that he easily did away with beliefs that he considered unimaginative, inefficient, mediocre, or corrupt.

He hailed the approach taken by the late Tanzania leader saying his touch to deal with African problems through African solutions and his allegiance to the word is something to be emulated.

He said Magufuli leaves a proud legacy of responsive public service that addressed his citizens’ needs providing solutions that are efficient to the national problems and led by example to promote gender equality by incorporating women leaders in his government.

His message of condolence comes after President Uhuru Kenyatta in a televised address to the nation mourned Magufuli as “an illustrious leader and a champion of pan Africanism.”

Kenyatta, who is also the chairperson of the EAC, outlined his close relationship with Magufuli reminiscing of the good times the two shared including visits to one another.

The President announced seven days of mourning directing that the Kenyan and EAC flags will fly at half-mast.