Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has conveyed Kenya’s condolences to the government and people of Bangladesh following the death of the country’s former and first female Prime Minister, Begum Khaleda Zia.

In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Mudavadi announced that he had signed the condolence book at the Bangladesh High Commission in Nairobi, expressing Kenya’s solidarity during the Asian nation’s period of mourning.

“On behalf of the Government of Kenya, I extend condolences to the Government and people of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh following the passing of their former and first female Prime Minister, Her Excellency Begum Khaleda Zia,” Mudavadi stated.

Bilateral relations reaffirmed

The Prime CS disclosed that he met with the Bangladesh High Commissioner Chiranjib Sarker during the afternoon visit to convey Kenya’s sympathies.

According to Mudavadi, the condolence visit provided an opportunity to reaffirm the strong diplomatic ties between Kenya and Bangladesh.

“This afternoon, I signed the condolence book at the Bangladesh High Commission, where I conveyed Kenya’s solidarity during this moment of national mourning and reaffirmed to the High Commissioner, H.E. Chiranjib Sarker, our shared commitment to strengthening the long-standing ties of friendship, cooperation, and partnership between our two nations,” he said.

Mudavadi concluded his message with prayers for the people of Bangladesh as they mourn their former leader.

“May the Almighty grant comfort, peace, and strength to the people of Bangladesh during this difficult time,” he stated.

Khaleda Zia’s legacy

Begum Khaleda Zia made history as Bangladesh’s first female Prime Minister, serving multiple terms, from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006.

As leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party, Zia was a prominent figure in South Asian politics, representing a major political force in her country alongside her political rival and former PM, Sheikh Hasina.

After years of prolonged illness, Zia passed away on December 30, 2025, in a hospital and was given a state funeral.