Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji has passed away at the age of 80 years. Haji who was the chair of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Taskforce died at the Aga Khan hospital in Nairobi on Monday morning after a long illness, his family confirmed. – By John Mutiso
According to family members, the Senator was flown from abroad a fortnight ago and later admitted at Aga Khan University hospital, in Nairobi where he died on Monday morning while receiving treatment.
He is expected to be laid to rest at the Lang’ata Muslim Cemetery today, February 15, in the afternoon.
Haji was a long time administrator who served in various areas including the vast Rift Valley between 1970 and 1998. He was nominated to Parliament in 2002. Haji who is the father of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) Noordin Yusuf Haji was again elected unopposed as Ijara Member of Parliament in 2007.
In January 2008, Haji was appointed to serve as the Minister of Defence where he spearheaded dialogue with the government of Somalia to fight al Shabaab. He was also appointed as the acting Minister of Internal Security and Provincial Affairs after the death of George Saitoti.
Until his death, Yusuf served as the Chairman of the Senate Security and Foreign Relations Committee.
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Monday led the nation in mourning Garissa Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji who passed on Monday morning.
In his message of condolence, President Uhuru eulogised the veteran politician, who until his death was the chairperson of the BBI Taskforce, as a dependable Kenyan leader and patriot.
“It is very unfortunate that we have lost such a dependable, solid and highly accomplished Kenyan leader. Mzee Haji was a highly respected leader and elder whose wisdom, deep knowledge of the Kenyan society and long experience as a public administrator enabled him to serve the country in various leadership roles with distinction for many years,” Uhuru said.
The President said the death of Senator Haji was a big blow to the country especially in the BBI constitutional reform process where his leadership shall be dearly missed.
“Mzee Haji was a steward of the BBI process and a strong pillar of our desire to construct a cohesive, peaceful and more progressive Kenyan nation. His stewardship of the initiative shall be missed,” the President eulogised.
Deputy President William Ruto has also sent a message of condolence to the family of the late Garissa Senator describing him as a devoted and indefatigable administrator who was cause-driven.
“The country has lost a devoted and indefatigable administrator who was cause-driven. Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji was a gifted politician, modest yet strategic schemer with ground-breaking mediation skills,” Ruto said.
According to the DP, Haji was selfless, progressive, dependable and a committed champion for a more united and inclusive Kenya.
“We will fondly remember Honourable Haji as a leader who robustly upheld and reinforced the reputation and integrity of public service,” he added.
