Ruto mourns former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
By Sharon Atieno, July 14, 2026President William Ruto has conveyed Kenya’s condolences following the death of former Qatar Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader who laid the foundation for Qatar’s remarkable transformation into a global economic powerhouse.
Speaking through his official Facebook page on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, Ruto extended his sympathies to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar.
“I join Qatar in mourning the passing of a visionary leader who guided his nation through a remarkable period of progress and prosperity,” Ruto said.
Condolences to Qatar
The President said he was conveying his message on behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, expressing solidarity with Qatar during the period of national mourning.
“It is with profound sorrow that I extend my heartfelt condolences following the passing of His Highness the Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani,” Ruto stated.
He also prayed for strength and comfort for Qatar’s leadership and citizens as they come to terms with the loss.
“I pray for the eternal repose of his soul, and for strength, comfort and fortitude for Your Highness and the entire Qatari nation during this time of profound loss,” he added.
Legacy of transformation
Ruto hailed the late Sheikh Hamad as a transformational leader whose leadership ushered Qatar into an era of unprecedented economic growth, infrastructure development and international influence.
He said the former Amir laid the foundations of modern Qatar, earning global recognition for steering the Gulf nation through a period of sustained prosperity and development.
Uhuru joins global tributes
Ruto’s message came a day after retired President Uhuru Kenyatta also paid tribute to the former Amir, describing him as a transformational statesman whose leadership reshaped Qatar and strengthened its international standing.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, through the Office of the Fourth President, Kenyatta extended his condolences to Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family and the people of Qatar.
He described Sheikh Hamad as “a visionary statesman who transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous nation and championed education, diplomacy and sustainable development.”
Kenyatta also recognised the late leader’s contribution to strengthening diplomatic ties between Kenya and Qatar, saying he remained committed to building international partnerships and fostering friendship between the two countries.
Legacy lives on
Qatar announced the death of Sheikh Hamad on Sunday, July 12, 2026, and declared a period of national mourning.
The former Amir, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, is widely credited with transforming the Gulf nation into one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanding its global influence and overseeing landmark projects, including the launch of Al Jazeera and preparations that culminated in Qatar hosting the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
His passing has drawn tributes from leaders across the world, who have praised his role in shaping modern Qatar and elevating the country’s profile on the global stage.