By Taban Henry
President Salva Kiir Mayardit has declared three days of mourning across the country following the death of the former Kenyan President Emilio Mwai Kibaki.
Former Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki whose cause of death was not given has been in and out of hospitals in the recent years as he passed on at the age of 90.
President Kiir in his statement to media ordered the South Sudan flag to fly at half-mast across all government institutions, including diplomatic missions abroad.
“In honour of the former President Kibaki’s legacy, I declare three days of mourning and order the South Sudan flag to be flown at half-mast across the country during those days. With inexpressible grief, I convey my deepest condolences on behalf of the government and people of South Sudan to Uhuru Kenyatta, the family of the former President and the people of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.
President Kiir said President Kibaki will be remembered as a courageous statesman who took principled stance in his pursuit of dignified and practical politics throughout his political career. In opposition, his practical approach to politics throughout kept the torch of accountability burning in Kenyan institutions. When he became President, the economic policies he enacted set Kenya on the path of sustainable development that will be built on by the successive government.
“Regionally, President Kibaki earned the respect of his peers because of his word on regional stability. He oversaw the conclusion of the historic Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Sudan government and the SPLM which ended one of Africa’s longest civil wars. He picked up the quest to end the Sudanese civil war from where President Moi left off,” he added.
President Kiir mentioned that as we mourn this iconic leader; let us remain inspired by his approach to politics and dedication to public service, the attributes which earned him respect both in Kenya and internationally.
“I pray that God gives President Kibaki’s family and those who are mourning him the comfort they need during this difficult hour to cope with this enormous loss,” The statement concluded.