This archive report was first published on 9 June 2020.
June 9, 2020 - Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza has succumbed to a heart attack in Bujumbura, while his wife, Denise Bucumi Nkurunziza, is still receiving treatment at the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi.
Ms. Nkurunziza had been hospitalized after falling ill following a volleyball match on Saturday afternoon. She was later airlifted to Nairobi on Thursday morning after a government-to-government agreement was reached.
According to sources, Ms. Nkurunziza is receiving treatment for an underlying condition after contracting the coronavirus.
President Uhuru Kenyatta sent a message of condolence and comfort to the people of the Republic of Burundi following the demise of President Nkurunziza.
President Kenyatta described President Nkurunziza as an outstanding regional counterpart who served his country with distinction and worked tirelessly for the peace and stability of his country and the Great Lakes Region.
President Kenyatta prayed for God's calming comfort as the family, people of Burundi, and East Africans mourn their departed leader.
