Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign & Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi joined the Aga Khan Council for Kenya to offer condolences following the death of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims who passed away on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
Having led the Ismaili Muslim community for over six decades, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV was widely recognized for his visionary leadership and his commitment to promoting economic and social progress through the Aga Khan Development Network.
His contributions to humanitarian efforts and institution-building earned him global recognition.
During his visit on February 6, 2025, Mudavadi was received by Vice President Ashif Kassam, alongside members of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, close friends, and leaders from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
He expressed his heartfelt sympathies to the community and the late leader’s family, acknowledging the Aga Khan IV’s immense contributions to global development.
“I joined the Aga Khan Council for Kenya, led by Vice President Ashif Kassam, along with friends and members of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, to express my condolences on the passing of Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88,” Mudavadi wrote in a statement posted on his X account.
Reflecting on his past encounters with the late Aga Khan, Mudavadi recalled their meetings in Doha and at the Aga Khan’s Aiglemont residence in France.
He described him as a soft-spoken leader whose unwavering dedication to philanthropy left a lasting impact on sectors such as medicine, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation.
“The late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV’s legacy in shaping institutions that have transformed lives, not just in Kenya but across the world, is unparalleled. His efforts in education, healthcare, and social development will be remembered for generations,” Mudavadi stated.
Mudavadi assured the Aga Khan community of the Kenyan government’s solidarity during this difficult time, emphasizing the importance of continuing the late leader’s vision for progress and humanitarian service.
Kenya’s tributes
President William Ruto, in his tribute, emphasized the Aga Khan’s relentless efforts to uplift the less fortunate, commemorating him as a leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to aid those in need.
“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.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta described him as a lifelong friend and visionary leader dedicated to philanthropy.
Kenyatta highlighted their long-standing relationship and the Aga Khan’s role in transforming healthcare and education in Kenya.
“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 said.
Opposition leader and African Union Commission chair candidate Raila Odinga also mourned the late spiritual leader, describing his passing as a heavy loss to humanitarian efforts and global philanthropy.
“His Highness Prince Mawlana Shah Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV has exited the world at a time of much uncertainty and anxiety; just when we needed his wisdom, tolerance, empathy, and moral leadership the most,” Odinga noted.
Aga Khan IV
Born in Switzerland, Aga Khan IV held British citizenship and resided in France. He became the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Muslims in 1957 at the age of 20, succeeding his grandfather.
Under his leadership, the Aga Khan Development Network expanded its reach, investing in education, healthcare, and cultural projects across the world.
Leave a Reply