President Kikwete's Condelence Message to Kibaki

 
Message of condolences from H.E. Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, President of the United Republic of Tanzania to H.E. Mwai Kibaki, President of the Republic of Kenya following the deaths of Hon. George Saitoti, Minister for Internal Security of the Republic of Kenya, his Deputy and other Government Officials.  The message reads as follows:
 
Your Excellency and Dear Brother,
 
I have received with great shock the sad news of the tragic deaths of Hon. Prof. George Saitoti, Minister for Internal Security of the Republic of Kenya and his Deputy, Hon. Orwa Ojode as well as other officials of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, which occurred in early hours of Sunday, 10th June, 2012, when a Police helicopter crashed in Kibiku area, in Ngong Forest, while they were on their way to join the people they serve for a fund raising activity.
 
On behalf of the Government and People of the United Republic of Tanzania, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish to convey our deepest sympathies and condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the bereaved families and relatives as well as the Government and the entire brotherly People of the Republic of Kenya for the tragic deaths of the two Honourable Ministers and the officials who accompanied them.

It is indeed a great loss to your nation following the death of a long serving public servant like Hon. Saitoti who has served in various posts of the Government and became the long serving Vice President of the Republic of Kenya.  Equally, it is a great loss following the death of his Deputy, Hon. Ojode, as both of them were leaders of the same Ministry that plays a key role in ensuring the security of the country and its people.
 
At this difficult moment of sorrow and distress, we share your grief and pray to the Almighty God to give the bereaved families, relatives and all the people of Kenya strength and courage to endure the agony resulting from this great loss.  May the Almighty God rest the souls of all the deceased, who perished in that helicopter crash, in eternal peace.  
 
Please accept, Your Excellency and Dear Brother, the assurances of my highest consideration.
 
 
Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
President of the United Republic of Tanzania”
 
 
                DAR ES SALAAM, 10TH JUNE, 2012