Uhuru, Kibaki lead Kenyans in mourning Robert Mugabe
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led Kenyans in mourning the death of former President of Zimbabwe Robert Mugabe describing him as "a shining beacon of Africa's liberation, an icon that led Zimbabwe in its liberation struggle from colonialism to independence."
The President said, throughout Mugabe's reign he maintained close relationship with Kenya by visiting the country in different occasions with the last one being in the TICAD VI in 2016.
On his part, retired President Mwai Kibaki said Mugabe's death closes the chapter of Africa’s founding presidents whose commitment to the emancipation of the people of Africa remains enduringly remarkable.
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"His unrelenting quest for a free Africa stood out. In spite of the sentiments of those who serially vilified him, Mugabe will be best remembered for courageously defending the dignity of the African people. Embedded in his story are valuable lessons worth celebrating," Kibaki said.
At the same time, Deputy President William Ruto remembered the late Mugabe as a revolutionary freedom fighter and liberation hero.
"He fought for the emancipation of his people and Zimbabwe's independence with courage, resolve and dedication. Mugabe was a Pan-Africanist, who championed the cause of the continent and advanced the ideals of self-determination, mutual respect, prosperity and peace," he added.
Mugabe died at the age of 95 on Friday after battling ill health.
Mugabe was ousted from power in a military coup in November 2017, ending his three-decade reign.
He was born on 21 February 1924, in what was then Rhodesia.
He was imprisoned for more than a decade without trial after criticising the government of Rhodesia in 1964.
