Uhuru Declares a National Mourning Period Following Kibaki’s Death

President Kenyatta has declared a period of national mourning following the death of former President Mwai Kibaki.

Addressing the nation from State House, Uhuru said the country will observe a period of national mourning from Friday until sunset on the day Kibaki will be laid to rest.

“That in testimony of highest of esteem in which all Kenyans hold the person and the memory of President Mwai Kibaki, the nation will observe a period of national mourning from today until sunset of the day of his interment,” Kenyatta said.

Kenyatta also announced that Kibaki shall be accorded a State funeral, with full military honors and protocols being rendered and observed.

He further declared that the flag of Kenya will be flown at half-mast across the country and all Kenyan diplomatic missions abroad during the period of mourning.

“That the Flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast at State House and all Kenyan Diplomatic Missions, Public Buildings and Public Grounds, all Military Bases, Posts, and Stations, on all Naval Vessels of the Republic of Kenya, and elsewhere throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya,” he said.’

The president also directed the Deputy President, the Chief Justice, Cabinet Secretaries, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Speaker of the Senate, Kenya’s diplomats abroad, and anyone else authorized by law, not to fly the national flag on their official motorcade from Friday until sunset on the day Kibaki will be buried.