Uhuru Recalls Private Talks With Late Former Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari
Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has shared heartfelt memories of his personal conversations with Nigeria’s late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to Uhuru, these discussions greatly influenced his views on Pan-Africanism and how African nations can work together to achieve better governance across the continent.
Speaking on Monday, July 14, as leaders from around the world joined in mourning Buhari’s death, Uhuru described the Nigerian statesman as a leader who carried the weight of public service with humility, deep commitment, and strong values.
“President Buhari was more than just a resilient leader—he was a man of integrity,” Uhuru said in his tribute. “He firmly stood by his beliefs and consistently put the needs of Nigeria and Africa above personal interests.”
Uhuru went on to remember a State visit Buhari made to Kenya, saying their conversations during that visit were open and meaningful. “I recall his visit with great fondness. We held deep, sincere talks about the future of our continent—discussions that left a lasting impression on me,” he shared.
The two leaders served as heads of state during overlapping terms. Buhari led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, while Uhuru served as Kenya’s president from 2013 to 2022. One of their most notable engagements occurred in January 2016 when President Buhari paid a historic three-day visit to Kenya. This was Buhari’s first official trip to East Africa after taking office.
During that visit, President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed Buhari with full State honours, including a ceremonial guard of honour and a 21-gun salute—an indication of the high regard in which Kenya held the Nigerian leader.
The two presidents then held bilateral talks in Nairobi, covering several important issues such as national security, regional trade, efforts to prevent tax evasion, and ways to strengthen ties between Kenyan and Nigerian businesses through a joint forum.
In his tribute, Uhuru also praised Buhari’s legacy in regional security and leadership in governance reforms. He highlighted the Nigerian leader’s dedication to fighting corruption and building a stronger foundation for African nations to confront shared challenges together.
“President Buhari stood out for his unwavering fight against corruption and his deep concern for national and regional security.
He pushed for economic reforms and was a strong supporter of African countries coming together to solve their own problems. He wanted to make sure Nigeria had a respected voice globally,” Uhuru said.
Calling Buhari’s death a personal loss, Uhuru reflected on how the Nigerian leader played a key role in shaping policies within the African Union. He was also a strong voice for Pan-Africanism—the idea of unity, solidarity, and progress among African nations.
“I didn’t just lose a friend—I lost a fellow believer in the dream of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa,” Uhuru stated with deep emotion.
Earlier in the day, President William Ruto also offered his condolences. Ruto called Buhari’s passing a huge loss not only for Nigeria but for the entire African continent. He highlighted Buhari’s strong role in supporting liberation movements and driving regional development across Africa.
Both Kenyan leaders’ tributes paint a picture of Muhammadu Buhari as a statesman whose influence went far beyond Nigeria. He was respected across Africa for his principles, leadership, and commitment to improving the lives of Africans everywhere.
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