[Raila Odinga and Uhuru Kenyatta in a past event. The two protagonists have both hailed Prof. Juma as a patriot. Photo/Nation]
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his main rival Raila Odinga have both described Kenyan US based scholar Prof Calestous Juma as most distinguished scholar and patriot.
Juma, who featured as most reputable person on earth in 2017, died in Boston, Massachusetts on Friday.
Uhuru said on Twitter: "I learned the death of Prof Calestous Juma with profound dismay. We have lost one of the most distinguished scholars and patriot."
Raila Odinga, who has been in loggerheads with Uhuru over controversial August elections, hailed Juma for raising Kenya's profile around the world.
"Juma has helped built the country's profile across the globe. We pray and mourn with his family,' read Odinga's statement.
Until his death, the Budalang'i born scholar was head of Technology and Innovations at Harvard University, Kennedy School in Boston.
Throughout his tours in US, Raila is said to have developed close working relationship with Juma, who is said to have been behind his keynote speeches.
Politicians from both Jubilee and NASA also joined the bandwagon describing Juma's death as 'immense' loss to Kenya.