President William Ruto joined a chorus of world leaders mourning the death of former US President Jimmy Carter, hailing him as a towering global figure whose legacy transcended borders.
“President Jimmy Carter was an extraordinary leader whose dedication to public service was epic,” Ruto wrote in a statement posted on social media.
“He was a powerful champion for global peace and human rights. We are indebted to his pioneering voice on the actions for a healthy planet that has protected our nature and slowed climate change. Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the people of the United States of America. Rest In Peace,” Ruto added.
Carter, the longest-living US president in history, passed away Sunday afternoon December 29, 2024, at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia.
He rose from humble beginnings as a peanut farmer to serve as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.
Though his presidency ended after a single term, his humanitarian work in the decades that followed earned him international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.
Carter’s post-presidential years were marked by tireless advocacy for human rights and efforts to combat global issues such as poverty and disease.
The Carter Center, founded by him and his wife Rosalynn, has been instrumental in promoting democracy, monitoring elections, and advancing public health initiatives worldwide.
Jimmy Carter’s extraordinary journey from the fields of Georgia to the highest office in the United States, and later to the world stage as a humanitarian icon, serves as a testament to his enduring belief in service to others.
Tributes pour in from across the globe
Outgoing US President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump led the American tributes to Carter, emphasizing his enduring impact on the nation and the world.
“Over six decades, Jill and I had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” Biden’s statement read.
“The challenges Jimmy faced as president came at a pivotal time for our country, and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude,” the statement added.
President-elect Trump, writing on his Truth Social platform, echoed those sentiments.
“The challenges Jimmy Carter addressed shaped the course of modern America. All Americans owe him a debt of gratitude for his vision and determination,” he said.
Former US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle also mourned Carter in a joint statement on social media.
“President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man,” Obama said.
Other world leaders have also mourned Jimmy Carter.
“Very sorry to hear of President Carter’s passing. I pay tribute to his decades of selfless public service. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this time,” UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement.
“Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace. France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people,” French President Emmanuel Macron said.
