Uhuru Orders Kenyan, EAC Flags Flown at Half-Mast in Honor of Late Burundi President Nkurunziza

The Kenyan flag will be flown at half-mast from Saturday in honor of the late Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza who died earlier this week.

A directive issued by President Kenyatta on Friday said the national flag as well as that of the East African Community (EAC) will be flown at half-mast countrywide until Nkurunziza is buried.

The directive also applies to all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad and will expire on the day Nkurunziza will be laid to rest.

The Burundi government in a statement on Tuesday said Nkurunziza, 55, succumbed to cardiac arrest while undergoing treatment at Karusi Fiftieth Anniversary Hospital on June 8th. But other reports claim he was suffering from Covid-19.

“Burundi has lost a son, a President and a key figure of patriotism. He was an example to the people of Burundi as someone who respected God. I urge Burundians to remain calm and continue praying for the soul of the President,” Government Spokesman Prosper Ntahorwamiye said.

The country’s government announced seven days of national mourning with flags flying half-mast during the period.

Nkurunziza, who ruled the country since 2005, was set to hand over power to his political ally Evariste Ndayishimiye in August.  

Ndayishimiye was declared the winner of the May 20th presidential election after garnering 68 percent of the votes.