Pyongyang, December 24 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea, Thursday received a message of condolences from Mwai Kibaki, president of Kenya.

The message said.

It was with bitter sorrow and grief that I heard the sad news that HE Chairman Kim Jong Il passed away on Dec. 17, 2011.

I, on behalf of the government and people of the Republic of Kenya and on my own behalf, express most profound condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the government and people of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

The Kenyan people are sharing the sorrow with your people in this hard period.

I hope all the Korean people would overcome bitter sorrow and display strength and courage.

Please, Your Excellency, accept deepest sympathy and assurances of highest consideration.