President William Ruto has mourned deceased Iranian President Ebrahim Rahisi, Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Abdollahian and their entourage following a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 19, 2024.
In a statement on Monday, May 20, 2024, Ruto consoled with the people of Iran, describing late President Raisi as a fearless leader and dedicated civil servant.
“President Raisi was a fearless leader and a dedicated public servant with a long and distinguished career in public service. He was a firm leader committed to the causes that he believed in and sought to elevate Iran’s standing on the global stage,” President Ruto said.
The head of state also underscored the diplomatic and trade ties between Kenya and Iran.”Kenya and the Republic of Iran share cordial relations signified by the fact that in his first-ever trip to the African Continent as President, H.E. Ebrahim Raisi chose Kenya as his first destination.
“As we condole with the people of Iran, we commend Allah’s mercy and comfort to the people of Iran,” President Ruto stated.
Raisi was touted as next in line to succeed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He was elected president in 2021 and led the government in cracking down on anti-government protests, tightening morality laws, and pushing for nuclear talks with global powers.
