Wife of Late Burundi’s President, Nkurunziza, Flown to Kenya For COVID-19 Treatment

Denise Bucumi, wife of late Burundi’s President, Pierre Nkurunziza, is hospitalised at Aga Khan hospital Nairobi, in Kenya where she is currently receiving treatment for Covid-19.

Mrs. Nkurunziza was flown to Kenya towards the end of May after contracting novel coronavirus.

Her husband, Nkurunziza, according to a statement by the state house of Burundi, died of a heart attack on June 8. He died at a hospital in Karuzi which is located in eastern part of Burundi.

“The outgoing president was taken ill on Saturday afternoon after attending a volleyball match,” says Burundi State House.

Following his death, Burundi has announced seven days of mourning.

Nkurunziza who spent three terms in office is due to leave office later this year at the expiration of his term and following last month’s election of former Army General, Evariste Ndayishimiye, as the new president in an election that was marred by rigging and irregularities according to the opposition.

The Burundian President also last month awarded himself the title of ‘supreme guide to patriotism’ once he steps down. The title meant that he must be consulted by his successor on issues of national security before any decision can be made.

Nkurunziza equally awarded himself $540,000 retirement payout and a luxury villa.