Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined leaders across the world in mourning the death of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader who transformed the Gulf nation.

In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, 2026, through the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya, Kenyatta extended his condolences to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Royal Family and the people of Qatar following the death of the Father Emir.

“It is with profound sorrow that I mourn the passing of His Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar,” Kenyatta said.

He described the late leader as “a visionary statesman who transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous nation and championed education, diplomacy, and sustainable development.”

Tribute to a transformative leader

Kenyatta also recognised Sheikh Hamad’s contribution to strengthening relations between Kenya and Qatar.

He said the former Emir remained committed to international partnerships and played a key role in fostering friendship between the two countries.

“My family and I stand in solidarity with the people of Qatar during this period of mourning,” he said, praying for the late leader’s eternal rest in Jannah.

Qatar announced the death of Sheikh Hamad on Sunday, July 12, 2026.

In a statement, the Emir’s office said: “With hearts steadfast in faith in God’s decree and destiny, the Bureau of the Emir mourns the great loss to the nation of the late — may God have mercy on him, His Highness the Father Amir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.”

The country declared a period of national mourning, with funeral prayers held at Imam Muhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab Mosque.

Legacy of Qatar’s former Emir

Sheikh Hamad died at the age of 74 after serving as Qatar’s Emir from 1995 to 2013.

He assumed power in June 1995 and oversaw the country’s rapid economic transformation, driven by the development of its vast natural gas reserves.

During his tenure, Qatar became the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas and expanded its influence in regional and international affairs.

His administration also launched Al Jazeera in 1996, a move that reshaped the media landscape in the Middle East.

In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad stepped down voluntarily, handing power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in one of the region’s rare peaceful leadership transitions.

His leadership is also associated with Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, alongside major investments in infrastructure, education and culture.

Qatar gained independence from Britain in 1971 and has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century.

Kenyatta’s message adds to the tributes from leaders across the world as Qatar continues to mourn a former ruler whose leadership shaped the country’s development and strengthened its presence on the global stage.