Former Tanzanian leader Benjamin Mkapa is dead

NAIROBI, Kenya Jul 24 – Former Tanzanian president Benjamin William Mkapa, 81, is dead.

The country’s leader John Magufuli announced the passing of Mkapa on Friday morning.

“Mzee Benjamin William Mkapa, the third president of Tanzania has died at a Dar es Salaam hospital where he was admitted,” Magufuli said.

And he called on “all Tanzanians to receive the news of his death and to pray for Mzee Mkapa, more information will be released but Mzee Mkapa is no more.”

Mkapa ruled Tanzania from 1995 to 2005 when he handed over power to Jakaya Kikwete.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence to his Tanzanian counterpart Magufuli and the people of Tanzania.

He mourned the departed Tanzanian leader as “an outstanding East African who worked tirelessly for the integration, peace and progress of the region.”