Raila mourns Iran President Ebrahim Raisi
Kenya's former Prime Minister Raila Odinga has sent a condolence message to Iran following the death of its President Ebrahim Raisi.
President Raisi perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday alongside foreign minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other officials.
"I have received with shock the news of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. The death has come at a trying and uncertain moment for Iran, with the country navigating heightened tensions in the Middle East," Raila stated.
Raila termed Raisi a a good friend of Kenya and a great supporter of Africa, following his recent visit to the country.
"I have faith that the Iran's traditions and strong institutions will withstand the shock and overcome the loss. Kenya had the pleasure of hosting H.E Raisi only recently and I regarded him as a good friend of Kenya and a great supporter of Africa. May his soul rest in peace," Raila added.
Mehr news agency confirmed the deaths, reporting that "all passengers of the helicopter carrying the president and foreign minister were martyred".
"President Raisi, the foreign minister and all the passengers in the helicopter were killed in the crash," the senior Iranian official told Reuters, asking not to be named because of the sensitivity of the matter. 
State TV reported that images from the site showed the aircraft slammed into a mountain peak, although there was no official word on the cause of the crash.
State news agency IRNA said Raisi was flying in a U.S.-made Bell 212 helicopter.
Ruto morns with Iran
Raila joins President William Ruto in mourning Raisi.
In his condolence message, Ruto termed Raisi a fearless leader with a distinguished career in public service.
"In light of the tragic news of the passing of H.E. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister, H.E. Hossein Abdollahian and his entourage of senior officials through a helicopter crash, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the people of Iran at this challenging time," Ruto said.
In his condolence message, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said Abdollahian contributed greatly not only to the promotion of regional peace, security and stability but also invested his energy in enhancing relations between Iran and its friendly nations, such as Kenya.
"I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of H.E Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside my colleague and dear brother, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs. On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the staff of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the bereaved families and friends of the deceased leaders, and indeed to the people of Iran," Mudavadi stated.
"During his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, His Excellency Hossein Abdollahian contributed greatly not only to the promotion of regional peace, security and stability but also invested his energy in enhancing relations between Iran and its friendly nations, such as Kenya. He will always be remembered for his tireless devotion and dedication to his fellow countrymen and to the cause of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
