President William Ruto has joined leaders in mourning the passing of US-based Reverend Jesse Jackson, describing him as a champion for justice and human dignity.

In a statement on his official X account on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Ruto eulogized the evangelist as a person who challenged the global community to expand opportunity and confront inequality.

“We mourn the passing of Jesse Jackson, a steadfast voice for justice and human dignity. Across decades of public life, he challenged the global community to expand opportunity and confront inequality with courage and moral clarity,” Ruto said.

Ruto described Jesse as a person who devoted his life to lifting others by organizing, advocating, and building bridges.

On his part, Ruto said his legacy will endure in the causes he advanced and the lives he changed and that his memory will continue to guide humanity toward a more just and compassionate world.

Uhuru’s tribute

Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has also joined world leaders in mourning the passing of renowned US civil rights leader Reverend Jesse Louis Jackson, describing him as a towering figure in the global struggle for justice, equality, and human dignity.

In a statement issued by the Office of the 4th President of Kenya on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Uhuru paid tribute to Rev Jackson, who died on Tuesday morning, aged 84, highlighting his lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights and expanding democratic freedoms.

“While expressing his message of condolence, Kenyatta paid tribute to Rev. Jackson’s lifelong commitment to advancing civil rights and expanding democratic freedoms in the United States and beyond. He noted that Jackson’s activism, moral courage, and unwavering advocacy for marginalised communities left an ineffable impact on global human rights movements,” the statement read.

Ties with Kenya and Africa

The fourth president recalled Rev. Jackson’s longstanding ties with Kenya and the African continent, highlighting his presence at Kenya’s historic transition in 2013.

“Rev. Jackson travelled to Nairobi in April 2013 to attend the inauguration ceremony of President Kenyatta at the Kasarani Stadium, underscoring the deep bonds between Kenya and the United States as well as his personal commitment to strengthening relations with Africa,” the statement said.

“Over the decades, he championed voting rights, economic justice, and social inclusion, earning international recognition for his advocacy and diplomacy,” the statement noted.

The retired president noted that Rev. Jackson’s participation symbolised solidarity, democratic partnership, and shared aspirations for inclusive governance.

“His visit was widely seen as a gesture of goodwill and affirmation of Kenya’s place within the global democratic community,” the statement added.