Burundi's late President Pierre Nkurunziza - who ruled for nearly 15 years - will be buried on Friday in the capital, Gitega.
The government said he died of a "cardiac arrest" almost two weeks ago.
He was expected to officially hand over power to his successor Evariste Ndayishimiye who won the elections held in May.
Nkurunziza was due to be named the "supreme guide to patriotism".
Burundi's government has urged the public to line the streets in a show of respect as the hearse carrying the late leader travels from Karusi hospital where he died, to Gitega stadium, for the last honours.
A supporter during the memorial service for Burundi"s President Pierre Nkurunziza
Nkurunziza, who some accused of overseeing "a brutal regime", spent most of his last years in office preaching more than he engaged in politics.
On several occasions, he would repeat that "God was given the first place in Burundi", but would also remind what he called "enemies of Burundi" of God’s "iron fist".
In the last five years, President Nkurunziza boasted in his speeches of having boosted the economy, started seven hydroelectric dam projects, built hospitals, schools and launched a youth bank.