What Raila wants Tanzanian Leaders to do after Magufuli's Death

Former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga has joned global leaders in mourning late Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli.

In his condolence message, Odinga appealed for calm and unity in this time of mourning, noting that Tanzania is known to be a peaceful nation, and the same should be adhered to at this tough time.

Addressing Tanzanian leaders, the ODM Party leader noted that they should replicate and adhere to the examples set by their predecessors in terms of peaceful transition of power.

“At this moment of sorrow, I call on the Tanzanian nation to remain united and peaceful. I appeal to the nation to fall back to the tradition set by Mwalimu Nyerere and followed meticulously by predecessors of a peaceful, orderly, and constitutional transfer of power.

“The tradition of peaceful and orderly transfer of power, brotherhood and constitutionalism needs to hold in Tanzania now, more than ever in the interest of the peaceful and friendly people of Tanzania, the East African community and the Continent of Africa," Odinga's statement read in part.

According to Odinga, President Magufuli was a friend of his family, adding that the deceased always supported him while he was facing tough times.

“He and his family have been close friends for a long time. He's been by my side at my most difficult and painful moments. My condolences to his family and the people of Tanzania,” Odinga said.

Elsewhere, President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the late Magufuli as a visionary and development-oriented leader.

In his address earlier today, President Kenyatta assured Tanzania of Kenya’s support and directed that the national and East African Community flags be flown at half must in honour of President Magufuli.

"The flag of the East African Community and the flag of the Republic of Kenya shall be flown at half-mast in honour of Tanzanian President John Pombe Magufuli," Uhuru said.