NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 11 — President William Ruto has mourned former Tanzania Prime Minister Edward Lowassa as a respected and progressive leader.
Ruto said Lowassa was a leader who “worked for the greater good of the people of Tanzania and the East African Region.”
“We honour the distinguished life that he led, his work and the rich legacy that he leaves behind,” he said in a statement on Sunday.
“May God grant the family, President Suluhu Samia and the people of The United Republic of Tanzania strength at this moment of grief. Buriani Ndugu Lowassa,” Ruto’s message read.
Tanzania President Samia Suluhu mourned him as a great leader who devoted himself to the service of the country.
She declared five days of national mourning during which flags will fly at half-mast in his honour.
Prime Minister Kassim Majaliwa Majaliwa described Lowassa as a great and steadfast leader who served diligently in all the positions held.
“I join the President of the United Republic of Tanzania Samia Suluhu Hassan to mourn following the death of the former Prime Minister Edward Ngoyai Lowassa. Our country has lost a legend. I send my condolences to the family and the people of Tanzania,” he said.
Lowassa’s death was announced by Vice President Philip Mpango in a televised address on Saturday.
Mpango said Lowassa had suffered a myriad of conditions including lung issues, stomach ulcers, and hypertension.
Lowassa who served under President Jakaya Kikwete between 2005 and 2008 died at the Jakaya Kikwete Cardiac Institute.
