Mudavadi hails Aga Khan V on receiving Kenya’s highest civilian honour
By Cy Muganda, August 26, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has congratulated His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V on receiving Kenya’s highest civilian honour during his first official visit to Kenya since assuming leadership of the Shia Ismaili Imamat.
In a statement posted on his X account on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, Mudavadi described the State House ceremony where Prince Rahim received the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) as a historic moment, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya-Ismaili relations.
“At State House, Nairobi, I had the privilege of sharing in a moment of history as H.E. President William Ruto received His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, marking his very first visit to Kenya since assuming the leadership of the Shia Ismaili Imamat,” he wrote.
Mudavadi formally congratulated Aga Khan V and expressed his wishes for the prince’s hospitality throughout the visit.
“I warmly congratulate His Highness Aga Khan V on receiving the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), our country’s highest civilian honour, during the investiture ceremony at State House,” he stated.
“I also extend my best wishes for a fulfilling and memorable stay in Kenya, a land that proudly treasures friendship, collaboration, and progress,” he added.
Deep historical partnership
Mudavadi further emphasised the longstanding relationship between Kenya and the Ismaili community, highlighting decades of collaboration through development initiatives.
“Kenya holds a deep and enduring bond with the Ismaili Imamat, strengthened over the decades through the transformative work of the Aga Khan Development Network. Its partnership with our nation continues to mirror our collective aspirations: uplifting the lives of ordinary Kenyans, fostering shared prosperity, and building a future that is equitable, dignified, and sustainable,” Mudavadi said.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary expressed optimism about expanding these partnerships across multiple sectors, which he stressed are critical to Kenya’s development agenda.
“As we look ahead, I am confident that this visit will open new frontiers of cooperation in areas central to Kenya’s transformation journey, from education, health, and environmental stewardship to banking, infrastructure, tourism, energy, and agri-processing. These partnerships remain vital in shaping a Kenya that thrives at home and competes globally,” he added.
Acceptance speech
Speaking during the investiture ceremony, Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini highlighted that Kenya has always held a special place in his family’s history, noting that some of the earliest Aga Khan projects initiated during his grandfather’s time were launched in Kenya and continue to operate today.
“This is my first time in East Africa. Since my succession, Kenya has always held a special place in the heart of my family. Some of the easiest Aga Khan development projects during the time of my grandfather were launched in this country, and many of them are still operating,” the prince stated.
“I can confirm my father spent his early childhood years in Nairobi. My father always cherished moments in this country and the wonderful people of this country,” he added.