Uhuru mourns ex-Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza

President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence and comfort to the People of the Republic of Burundi and the family of His Excellency President Pierre Nkurunziza who passed away on Tuesday.

President Kenyatta termed the outgoing Burundi leader as an outstanding regional counterpart who served his country with distinction as Head of State and Government, and worked tirelessly for the peace and stability of his country and the Great Lakes Region.

President Kenyatta said death had robbed East Africa of a prominent leader whose contribution to the integration and progress of the region shall be sorely missed and prayed for God's calming comfort as the family, the people of Burundi and indeed East Africans mourn their departed leader.

ODM leader Raila Odinga also wished the people of Burundi peace, hope and stability during this period, saying his thoughts are with the First Family.

“May Burundi’s institutions stand firmly for the country and the people,” he tweeted.

Nkurunziza died unexpectedly on June 8, 2020, at the Fiftieth Anniversary Hospital in Karuzi, aged 55.

The Burundi government noted that he was admitted to hospital on Saturday but he suffered a cardiac arrest on Monday.

Efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. His death occurred after the 2020 elections but ahead of the projected hand-over of power in August.

It had been intended that he would continue to remain prominent in public life as "Supreme Guide of Patriotism".

A week-long period of national mourning was announced.

He was due to receive over $500,000 as retirement pay-out and a villa.