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Uhuru Kenyatta joins Qatar in mourning Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani
13th July, 2026 10:35 PM
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined the people of Qatar in mourning the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the Father Emir of the State of Qatar.
In a statement on X on Monday, July 13, 2026, Uhuru expressed his sorrow over the passing of the former leader and extended his condolences to the Qatari leadership, the Royal Family, and the people of Qatar.
Uhuru said the loss of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani was deeply felt. He also conveyed his sympathies to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, as the country mourns the passing 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. I extend heartfelt condolences to His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Emir of Qatar, the Royal Family, and the brotherly people of Qatar,” Uhuru Kenyatta said.
Honouring a lasting legacy
Uhuru described the late Father Emir as a leader whose work changed Qatar. He said Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani helped transform the country into a modern and prosperous nation while promoting education, diplomacy and sustainable development.
“The late Father Emir was a visionary statesman who transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous nation and championed education, diplomacy, and sustainable development,” Uhuru Kenyatta said.
The fourth president said the late leader’s contribution would continue to be remembered by many people across the world. He explained that his efforts to strengthen international partnerships and build relations between countries would remain part of his legacy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire generations across the world. He will be remembered with gratitude for his dedication to fostering global partnerships and for strengthening the bonds of friendship between our two nations,” Uhuru Kenyatta said.
Uhuru also expressed support for the people of Qatar during the mourning period. He said his family stands with the country and offered prayers for the late Father Emir and the Royal Family.
“My family and I stand in solidarity with the people of Qatar during this period of mourning and pray that Almighty Allah grants him eternal rest in Jannah and comforts the Royal Family and the nation,” Uhuru Kenyatta said.
His legacy
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.
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.
