Uhuru, Ruto and Raila lead Kenyans in mourning Senator Haji

President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday led Kenyans in mourning Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji who passed on Sunday night.

In his message of condolence, the President eulogised the veteran politician, who until his death was the co-chair of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Taskforce, as a dependable Kenyan leader and patriot.

"It is very unfortunate that we have lost such a dependable, solid and highly accomplished Kenyan leader.

"Mzee Haji was a highly respected leader and elder whose wisdom, deep knowledge of the Kenyan society and long experience as a public administrator enabled him to serve the country in various leadership roles with distinction for many years," the President said.

The President said the death of Senator Haji was a big blow to the country especially in the BBI constitutional reform process where his leadership shall be dearly missed.

"Mzee Haji was a steward of the BBI process and a strong pillar of our desire to construct a cohesive, peaceful and more progressive Kenyan nation. His stewardship of the initiative shall be missed," the President eulogised.

On his part, Deputy President William Ruto remembered the fallen senator as "selfless, progressive, dependable and a committed champion for a more united and inclusive Kenya."

He added: "We will fondly remember Honourable Haji as a leader who robustly upheld and reinforced the reputation and integrity of public service."

ODM leader Raila Odinga said the country has lost a dedicated patriot and a humble servant.

"We can only thank him for the years of his life that he gave in service of our country, his last great public passion being the Building Bridges Initiative," Raila said on Twitter.