President Kenyatta, ODM leader Raila Odinga mourn Desmond Tutu
An undated photo of Raila Odinga and Desmond Tutu at Pentagon House, Nairobi.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined world leaders in mourning South Africa's anti-apartheid hero and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died on Sunday aged 90.
In a message of condolence to South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the family of the departed Nobel Laureate, President Kenyatta mourned the ever-smiling Tutu as an African icon of freedom, peace and reconciliation.
"The passing away of Archbishop Desmond Tutu is a big blow not only to the Republic of South Africa where he leaves behind huge footprints as an anti-apartheid hero but to the entire African continent where he is deeply respected and celebrated as a peacemaker.
"Through his distinguished work over the years as a cleric, freedom fighter and peacemaker, Archbishop Tutu inspired a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle," President Kenyatta said.
An undated photo of Raila Odinga and Desmond Tutu at Pentagon House, Nairobi.
"To my brother President Cyril Ramaphosa, the People of the Republic of South Africa and the family, friends and relatives of Archbishop Tutu, I pray to God to cover you all with his calming fortitude during this difficult period of mourning," President Kenyatta condoled.
Raila's message
On his part, ODM leader Raila Odinga described his death as "a major reckoning with the reality that one-by-one, its heroic liberators are leaving".
"I pass deep condolences to his family and to the people of the Republic of South Africa on the death of this icon. Tutu belongs to the generation of African leaders who confronted wrong whenever it happened and never tired of pursuing what is right for South Africans and human race as a whole," Mr Odinga said in a statement.
He also highlighted Tutu's role in attempting to resolve Kenya's post-election crisis in 2007/2008.
"He was among the first leaders to arrive in Kenya when post-election violence erupted here following the 2007 elections. His reason for coming was simple and complex at the same time. He said “ when a neighbour’s house is on fire, you don’t wait to be invited. You just fetch water and start putting out the fire.”
Mr Odinga said the continent has "lost a leader of rare qualities and abilities, an epitome of bravery and resistance."
"I will treasure the moments I had to exchange views on the future of our continent, a continent he did so much to lift in the eyes of the world."
