By Antynet Ford
Leaders in Kenya have mourned Tanzania’s former president Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
Mwinyi who served as the second president of Tanzania between1985 to 1995 died yesterday aged 98 after a long battle with lung cancer at Mzena Hospital in Dar es Salaam.
President William Ruto expressed his condolences to Tanzania condoling Mwinyi as a great leader whose legacy will not fade.
Ruto praised Mwinyi as a “great leader whose rich legacy will never fade,” extending his sympathies to President Samia Suluhu and the people of Tanzania.
“I extend my condolences and those of the people of Kenya to President
Samia Suluhu and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania following the passing on of H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi — the second President of the United Republic of Tanzania.We join in mourning the loss of a great leader whose rich legacy will never fade.” Ruto stated.
Raila Odinga described Mwinyi as a “truly great African leader and statesman,” expressing condolences to President Suluhu on behalf of himself and his wife, Ida Odinga.
“Mama Ida and I extend our deepest condolences to President Samia Suluhu
on the passing of H.E. Ali Hassan Mwinyi, the 2nd President of the United Republic of Tanzania. We join the Tanzanian nation in mourning a truly great African leader and statesman.” Raila condoled.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta also conveyed his condolences to Her Excellency Samia Suluhu Hassan, President of the United Republic of Tanzania, the people of Tanzania and the family of the 2nd President of the Republic of Tanzania Ali Hassan Mwinyi.
Kenyatta described the late former Head of State as a strong leader whose presidency played a significant role in the liberalization of the Tanzanian economy.
“Hassan Mwinyi is widely acknowledged as a prominent figure in Tanzanian history, renowned for his significant contributions to politics, economic development, and regional diplomacy. May the Almighty God grant strength to the family of the late President and bring solace to the people of Tanzania as they cope with this profound loss.” Kenyatta said.
To honor Mwinyi’s life and contributions, President Suluhu announced seven days of mourning. The national flag will be flown at half-mast, starting Friday during this period.
In a televised address, President Suluhu described Mwinyi’s passing as a significant loss to the country. She revealed that Mwinyi had been receiving treatment in London since November before returning to Tanzania, where he continued his treatment until his demise.
Mwinyi’s final resting place will be in Zanzibar, with funeral arrangements to be announced later, President Suluhu confirmed.
Before his presidency, Mwinyi held significant positions, including Interior Minister and Vice President. He also chaired the ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), from 1990 to 1996.