NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has conveyed Kenya’s condolences to the State of Qatar following the death of the country’s former ruler and Father Amir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, praising him as a visionary leader whose leadership transformed Qatar into one of the world’s most influential economic and diplomatic powers.
In a condolence message addressed to Qatar’s Amir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, President Ruto said Kenya stood in solidarity with the Qatar people as they mourned the loss of a leader whose legacy reshaped the Gulf nation.
“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, father of His Highness The Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani,” President Ruto said.
The President conveyed his sympathies on behalf of the Government and people of Kenya to the Al Thani family and the people of Qatar.
Ruto described Sheikh Hamad as a statesman who guided Qatar through an extraordinary period of economic transformation, institutional development and international prominence.
“I join the people of Qatar in mourning the passing of a visionary leader who guided his nation through a remarkable period of progress and prosperity, laying the foundations of modern Qatar,” he said.
He also prayed for strength and comfort for Qatar’s leadership and citizens during the period of national mourning.
Sheikh Hamad served as Emir of Qatar from 1995 until his voluntary abdication in 2013, when he handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. The peaceful transition was regarded as one of the most significant and uncommon transfers of leadership in the Gulf region.
During his 18-year reign, Sheikh Hamad oversaw Qatar’s transformation from a relatively small Gulf state into one of the world’s wealthiest nations through the strategic development of its vast natural gas resources. Under his leadership, Qatar became one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, significantly strengthening its global economic influence.
He also established the Qatar Investment Authority, which grew into one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds with investments spanning Europe, North America, Asia and other regions, making Qatar a major international investor.
Beyond economic achievements, Sheikh Hamad expanded Qatar’s diplomatic footprint by founding the Al Jazeera Media Network in 1996 and positioning Doha as a key venue for international mediation, dialogue and peace negotiations.
His leadership also saw Qatar host major international events, including the 2006 Asian Games, the 2012 United Nations Climate Change Conference and successfully secure hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, making Qatar the first Arab and Muslim nation to stage football’s biggest tournament.
Domestically, Sheikh Hamad introduced constitutional and governance reforms that included the adoption of Qatar’s first permanent constitution and the expansion of public participation through municipal elections, reforms that continue to shape the country’s modern governance framework.
His passing marks the end of an era for Qatar and the wider Gulf region, with leaders from around the world continuing to pay tribute to a statesman whose leadership helped redefine Qatar’s place on the global stage.
