Former Kenyan president Mwai Kibaki dies

Kenya's third president Emilio Mwai Kibaki has died aged 90. The announcement was made on Friday by President Uhuru Kenyatta, who succeeded him in 2013.

"President Kibaki will forever be remembered as a gentleman in Kenyan politics. He was a brilliant debater, whose eloquence wit and charm won the day, time and time again," Kenyatta said.

"We salute a notable father figure in the chronicles of our nation. A leader who strove so hard and accomplished so much for his country," he added.

Kenyatta also said the country will observe a period of national mourning from Friday until sunset of the day of Kibaki's interment.

"As a leading figure in Kenya's post-independence history, Mwai Kibaki earned the abiding respect and affection of the people of this nation and other countries throughout the world," Kenyatta said.

Kibaki served as Kenya's president from 2002 to April 2013 at the end of second and final term as required by the Constitution. He is credited with reviving Kenya's economy after taking over from former president Daniel Moi.

One of his biggest contributions to the Kenyan economy was in infrastructure and he is credited for initiating mega projects like the Standard Gauge Railway and the Thika Road superhighway.