Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has mourned the late philanthropist and spiritual leader the Aga Khan.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, Kenyatta described the Aga Khan as a lifelong friend, a visionary leader, and a tireless advocate for humanity.
Kenyatta also recalled his strong connection with the Aga Khan, a relationship that he says began in his childhood during the days of Sir Ibu Pirbhai, the then leader of the Ismaili community in Kenya.
“The Aga Khan was more than just a friend; he was like a brother, a confidant, and a partner in the mission to uplift the lives of many,” Kenyatta said.
“Our shared dedication to education, healthcare, and making the world a better place created a partnership that lasted for years.”
Uhuru on Aga Khan’s contributions
The former president emphasized the Aga Khan’s remarkable contributions to society, especially in education and healthcare.
He praised the Aga Khan for establishing high quality schools and hospitals that have transformed the lives of many in Kenya and across the globe.
“His visionary leadership in the healthcare sector has saved countless lives. The Aga Khan University Hospital and its network of facilities remain a testament to his enduring legacy of compassion and excellence,” Kenyatta noted.
Kenyatta also highlighted the Aga Khan’s dedication to humanity worldwide, mentioning their shared beliefs and joint initiatives.
“We worked together on numerous projects in the education sector. His ability to bring people together for a common cause was truly remarkable,” he said.
Extending his sympathies to the Ismaili community worldwide, the former president recognized the Aga Khan’s role as a spiritual guide who inspired millions.
He encouraged those mourning the Aga Khan to honor his memory by carrying forward his mission of service and fostering unity.
The Aga Khan’s death
The Aga Khan’s charity the Aga Khan Development Network announced that he died on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
Prince Karim Aga Khan was the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims, who traced his lineage directly to the Prophet Muhammad.
He “passed away peacefully” in Lisbon, Portugal, surrounded by his family, his charity said in a statement on social media.
Born in Switzerland, he had British citizenship and lived in a chateau in France.
The Aga Khan Development Network said it offered its “condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide”.
“We continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as they wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins,” it added.
The Ismailis, a Muslim sect, have a worldwide population of about 15 million, including 500,000 in Pakistan. There are also large populations in India, Afghanistan and Africa.
Prince Karim Aga Khan succeeded his grandfather as imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20.
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