This archive report was first published on 6 September 2019.
Robert Mugabe, Zimbabwe's first president after independence, has left a lasting legacy in Africa. He ruled the country for 37 years before being ousted in a military coup two years ago.
On Friday, Kenyan leaders paid tribute to Mugabe following his death at the age of 95. President Uhuru Kenyatta described him as a man of courage who was never afraid to fight for what he believed in, even when it was not popular.
"In this moment of sorrow, my thoughts and prayers go out to his family, his relatives and the people of Zimbabwe who, for many years, he served with commitment and dedication," President Kenyatta said in a statement.
He added that Mugabe was an elder statesman, a freedom fighter and a Pan-Africanist who played a major role in shaping the interests of the African continent.
As a mark of respect, President Kenyatta ordered that the national flag flies half-mast from Saturday to Monday.
Former president Mwai Kibaki termed Mugabe's demise as the end of an era in Africa, saying it closes the chapter of Africa's founding presidents whose commitment to the emancipation of the people of Africa remains enduringly remarkable.
Former president Daniel arap Moi, who marked his 95th birthday on Monday, mourned his fellow nonagenarian describing him as a legendary fighter in dismantling bastions of colonialism in Africa.
Mugabe was imprisoned in 1964 and spent 10 years in jail for his fight for freedom and the restoration of the dignity of the African personality.
