Ruto mourns Qatar’s former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
President says the former emir laid foundations for modern Qatar as the Gulf state observes four days of national mourning.
NAIROBI – President William Ruto has conveyed Kenya’s condolences to Qatar following the death of former emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a major global energy and diplomatic power.
Sheikh Hamad, known as the Father Amir, died on July 12 at the age of 74. Qatar declared four days of national mourning and funeral prayers were held at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha before his burial at Lusail Cemetery.
In keeping with Islamic tradition, Sheikh Hamad was laid to rest at Lusail Cemetery after funeral prayers at the Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque in Doha on Sunday.
Qatar has declared four days of national mourning, with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani receiving condolences from foreign leaders and dignitaries at Lusail Palace through Wednesday.
In a message addressed to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Ruto expressed sympathy on behalf of the Kenyan government and people.
“I join the people of Qatar in mourning the passing of a visionary leader who guided his nation through a remarkable period of progress and prosperity, laying the foundations of modern Qatar,” Ruto said.
The president also conveyed condolences to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar, describing Sheikh Hamad as a leader whose legacy would endure through the country’s development and global influence.
Sheikh Hamad ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013 and is widely credited with transforming the Gulf state into a leading exporter of liquefied natural gas, an influential diplomatic mediator and the home of Al Jazeera..
His decision in 2013 to hand power to his son, Sheikh Tamim, marked one of the region’s rare voluntary transfers of leadership.
Kenya and Qatar maintain diplomatic and economic ties spanning trade, agriculture, education and investment, with Qatar serving as an important market for Kenyan exports including flowers, tea and fresh produce.
