President Salva Kiir on Saturday declared three days of mourning following the death of Kenya’s third president, Mwai Kibaki, on Friday.

‘‘I convey my deepest condolences on behalf of the Government of South Sudan to His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta, the family of the former President and the people of the Republic of Kenya,’’ read the statement from the Office of the President.

President Kiir directed that the South Sudanese flag be flown at half-mast during the mourning period. Kiir hailed the late Kibaki for exhibiting leadership and playing a role in Kenya’s economic revamp during his stint that ran from 2003 to 2013.

‘‘President Kibaki will be remembered as a courageous statesman who took a principled stance in his pursuit of dignified and practical politics throughout his political career,’’ the statement read in part.

The President commended the efforts of the deceased in ensuring that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement was completed, as well as playing a role in ending the civil war in Sudan.

Kibaki died on Friday, aged 90, barely two years after his predecessor, Daniel Arap Moi, died. In his remembrance speech, the current Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, remembered Kibaki for his remarkable contributions to Kenyan governance. The late retired president will be remembered for introducing Kenya’s free primary education, as well as overseeing the promulgation of the country’s constitution.