Photo|Courtesy

Family members, government officials, colleagues and mourners gathered in Juba on Friday to pay their last respects to the late Hon. Kosti Yukunia Manibe, former Minister of Finance and Economic Planning.

Manibe’s body arrived in Juba on Friday morning from Nairobi, Kenya, where he died on August 11, 2026, at the age of 78.

Following his arrival at Juba International Airport, the remains were taken to All Saints Cathedral, where mourners gathered for a requiem mass and paid tribute to the veteran statesman.

During the service, Rt. Hon. Joseph Ngere Päciko, Speaker of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, remembered Manibe as “the rare seed of Moru intellectuality,” describing him as a humble, wise and principled leader.

Päciko praised Manibe’s decades of public service, highlighting his contributions to the Sudan Council of Churches, the liberation struggle and governments in both Sudan and South Sudan.

He said Manibe viewed leadership as a responsibility to serve the people, rather than a means of gaining wealth, influence or fame.

The Speaker also paid tribute to Manibe’s ability to rise above tribal and political divisions, describing him as a bridge-builder during some of the region’s most difficult periods.

As his remains lie in Juba, tributes continue to honour a man remembered for his integrity, patriotism and commitment to public service.

Mourners and colleagues have described Manibe’s death as a significant loss to South Sudan, with calls for his legacy of humility, responsibility and service to be preserved by future generations.

Funeral ceremonies for the former minister are expected to continue in Juba before his final burial.