Former Burundi President Pierre Nkurunziza – who ruled for nearly 15 years – will be buried on Friday in the capital, Gitega.

The government said he died of “cardiac arrest” almost two weeks ago. He was expected to officially hand over power to his successor who won the elections held in May.

He was destined to be crowned the “Supreme leader of patriotism”.

The government has urged the public to be on the roadsides and give him respect as his hearse travels from Karusi hospital where he died, to Gitega stadium, for the last honours.