Former UN Secretary General Kofi Anan died at 80 years old after a short illness at Bern, Switzerland where he was receiving treatment.
The Ghanaian was appointed U.N. Secretary General in 1996 after having served in different capacities within the same organization. He served in this position for two terms until December 2006.
Kofi Annan holds aspecial place in Kenya after and will be remembered for brokering a peace deal between retired President Mwai Kibaki and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga that ended the post-election turmoil in 2008.
This was after he led the Panel of Eminent African Personalities convened by the African Union in the negotiations that ended the deadly post poll chaos. Annan described the mediation role as the most engaging but noted that it ended a stalemate that left at least 1,000 people dead.
As the world continue to mourn the great diplomat Kenyan leaders also did not forget to console and mourn with the world.
Here are a few messages from our leaders..
I don’t think there’s a country in the world that owes Kofi Annan as much of a debt of gratitude as Kenya.
— Nanjala Nyabola (@Nanjala1) August 18, 2018
Kenya post election violence in 2007-08 left 1300 people dead and over half a million displaced. @KofiAnnan negotiated a power sharing agreement. Kenya is forever grateful for his role in getting two selfish politicians to put Kenya first. Rest well Kofi Annan. pic.twitter.com/wWrb2tdCN3
— Boniface Mwangi (@bonifacemwangi) August 18, 2018
I join the rest of the world in mourning the death of @KofiAnnan . The world is poorer at his departure. pic.twitter.com/cDAFebDcEy
— Kiprono Kittony (@KipronoKittony) August 18, 2018
This distinguished gentleman impacted many lives. Kenya has lost a friend. Africa has lost a son. @OneYoungWorld has lost a guiding force and I a mentor.
He will be missed. My heart is heavy.
Lala salama Kofi Annan. pic.twitter.com/VlaLH0zj2C— Caroline Mutoko (@CarolineMutoko) August 18, 2018
He was a leader with a firm mind but an incredibly gentle spirit. A very rare combination. Would that there were more like him.
It was a pleasure to know you. Fly with the angels Kofi.#RIPKofiAnnan ??? pic.twitter.com/I8MD34yaQc
— Julie Gichuru (@JulieGichuru) August 18, 2018
As kenyans we have lost a champion for peace and reconciliation..Rest in peace Koffi Anan pic.twitter.com/7vc50TwLgW
— AG Githu Muigai (@leshornai) August 18, 2018
A life well lived..Rest in peace Koffi Anan. pic.twitter.com/81C5FQUNY9
— Lucky Mbabazi (@LuckyMbabazi) August 18, 2018
The sudden passing of #KoffiAnan is yet another reminder that a rich generation of best amongst us African Leadership is leaving, with each passing we’re poorer as an African people. Mr Koffi Anan never stopped working for the African people. His would May Rest In Peace. pic.twitter.com/ZPQBqbL45O
— Fikile (Mr Fearfokkol) (@MbalulaFikile) August 18, 2018