President William Ruto has mourned the death of businessman and spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims his Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV.
In a statement on Wednesday, February 5, the President eulogized Aga Khan as an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable.
“We are saddened by the passing of The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims. He was an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable through his charities in hospitals and schools. Our thoughts are with the family of His Highness and the wider Ismaili community,” Ruto stated.
Aga Khan passed away on Tuesday, February 4 in Lisbon Portugal at the age of 88 surrounded by his family.
He was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
Under his leadership, the network built a network of hospitals bearing his name in some of the poorest regions, including Bangladesh, Tajikistan, and Afghanistan. The Aga Khan poured millions of dollars into the development of local economies and provided healthcare to those who needed it most.
RECOGNITION AND RESPECT
The Aga Khan’s philanthropic efforts and dedication to his faith have earned him recognition and respect from leaders around the world. U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres called him “a symbol of peace, tolerance, and compassion in our troubled world,” while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau described him as “a very good friend” and “an extraordinarily compassionate global leader.”
Ceremonies were held in Ismaili communities in the U.S. and around the world to mark his passing. Condolences poured in online from charity groups he supported, as well as the equestrian world, where he was a well-known figure.
A LASTING LEGACY
The Aga Khan’s legacy will be remembered for generations to come. As the title of “His Highness” was bestowed upon him by Queen Elizabeth in 1957, he embodied the ideals of leadership, compassion, and service that defined his life. His work will continue through the countless lives he touched and the institutions he founded, ensuring that his impact on the world will be felt for years to come.
