Condolences from dignitaries and officials of the Republic of Kenya to the government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran

For the martyrdom of the Honorable President of the Islamic Republic of Iran the Minister of Foreign Affairs and their companions in the helicopter crash in East Azarbaijan province.

After the tragic passing of His Excellency Ayatollah Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, along with several other high-ranking officials in a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 30, 1403, numerous dignitaries from the Republic of Kenya, such as His Excellency Dr. William Ruto, President of Republic of Kenya, His Excellency Dr. Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the National Assembly, His Excellency Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, His Excellency Amason Jeffah Kingi, Speaker of the Senate, His Excellency Mr. Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Defense, as well as various governors, MPs, and officials, extended their sympathies to the Iranian government and its people for this significant loss.

These messages are as follows:

1-    H.E. William Samoei Ruto, Honorable President of Republic of Kenya

In light of the tragic news of the passing of H.E. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister, H.E. Hossein Abdollahian and his entourage of senior officials through a helicopter crash, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the people of Iran at this challenging time.

President Raisi was a fearless leader and a dedicated public servant with a long and distinguished career in public service. He was a firm leader committed to the causes that he believed in and sought to elevate Iran's standing on the global stage.

Kenya and the Republic of Iran share cordial relations signified by the fact that in his first-ever trip to the African Continent as President, H.E. Ebrahim Raisi chose Kenya as his first destination. As we condole with the people of Iran, we commend Allah's mercy and comfort to the people of Iran.

2-    His Excellency Dr. Moses Wetangula, Speaker of the National Assembly

My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go out to the people of Iran in the wake of the tragic loss of President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and seven others in a devastating helicopter crash.

President Raisi and his entourage were at the Azerbaijani border on Sunday to inaugurate the Qiz-Qalasi Dam, a significant joint project.

I had the honor of meeting President Raisi during his visit to Kenya at the beginning of his African tour. It was an honor to receive him alongside my Senate counterpart as we paid our respects at the Mausoleum of the founding father of our nation, the late Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, at Parliament grounds.

My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims during this difficult time.

Inna Lillahi Wa Inna llayhi Rajioon.

3-    His Excellency Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs

H.E. Dr. Ali Bagheri, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Excellency,

I am deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden passing of H.E Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, alongside my colleague and dear brother, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Kenya, the staff of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I would like to convey my deepest condolences to Your Excellency and, through you, to the bereaved families and friends of the deceased leaders, and indeed to the people of Iran.

During his tenure as Foreign Affairs Minister, His Excellency Hossein Abdollahian contributed greatly not only to the promotion of regional peace, security and stability but also invested his energy in enhancing relations between Iran and its friendly nations, such as Kenya.

He will always be remembered for his tireless devotion and dedication to his fellow countrymen and to the cause of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Iran. May his soul rest in eternal peace, and May Allah give his family and friends the strength to deal with this big loss.

4-    His Excellency Amason Jeffah Kingi, Speaker of the Senate

I convey my most sincere condolences to the citizens of the Islamic Republic of Iran, following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of their President, H.E. Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Affairs Minister Hossein Abdollahian. I pray that Allah covers the families of the two leaders and the great people of Iran, with His mercy, grace and fortitude at this most difficult moment.

5-    His Excellency Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Defense

With a heavy heart, I join global leaders and the Muslim community in mourning the tragic loss of President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash.

President Raisi was a great leader who fostered strong mutual ties between Iran and many countries, including Kenya.

6-    Hon. Raila Odinga, EGH, Former Prime Cabinet Secretary

H.E. Dr. Ali Gholampour, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Kenya

I have received with shock the news of the death of President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian.

Please convey my deepest condolences and solidarity to the government, the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran and the families of the deceased for this tremendous loss.

The death has come at a trying and uncertain moment for Iran, with the country navigating heightened tensions in the Middle East. I have the faith that the country's traditions and strong institutions will withstand the shock and overcome the loss.

As a country, we had the pleasure of hosting President Raisi only recently. I regarded him as a good friend of Kenya and a great supporter of Africa and African people.

May his soul and that of his foreign minister rest in heavenly peace. I wish peace and prosperity to the Iranian nation.

7-    Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir Governor of Mombasa

Dr. Ali Gholampour, Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran

 Inna lilalh va inna aleyhi rajiun !

It is with acceptance of the Almighty's Will that I have received the news of the passing of His Excellency President Ebrahim Raisi, Hon. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian (Minister for Foreign Affairs) and their companions following a helicopter crash in East Azerbaijan, Iran on May 19, 2024.

On behalf of the people of the County of Mombasa and on my own behalf, I convey most heartfelt condolences to you and through you to the bereaved family, relatives and friends of the deceased.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and the world at large have lost visionary leaders, committed public servants and gallant sons who served wholeheartedly and with utmost dedication.

I note that the late President and the Minister were articulate leaders who championed peace and security and this is a devastating loss.

In this moment of sorrow, on behalf of the County Government of Mombasa, I share with Your Excellency, the bereaved family, the Government and the people of Iran our deep grief and sense of great loss.

We pray that you may all find comfort during this challenging time. may Allah (S.W.T) rest their souls in Eternal Peace.

Accept Your Excellence, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Wabillahi Taufiq.

8-    Hon. Yusuf Hassan Abdi, MP for Kamukunji, Nairobi.

Your Excellency, Ambassador Ali Gholampour,

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and People of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the tragic passing of His Excellency Ebrahim Raisi, President of Iran.

I am shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic death of your beloved President. I wish to convey my deepest condolences to the Government and People of the Islamic Republic of Iran. I join you in mourning the loss of your leader and wish you strength and comfort during this difficult time. I also wish to express my heartfelt sorrow on the death of the Iranian Foreign Minister H.E. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian. I wish to convey my deepest sympathy and condolences to his family and to the people of Iran. May Allah have mercy on them.

With sincere regards,

9-    H.E. Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary, Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts and Heritage

My sincere condolences and prayers go to friends, family and the people of Iran following the tragic demise of Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran and other government officials. H.E. Raisi was an exceptional leader and an exemplary individual who championed the peace and prosperity of Iran. May Allah grant them amongst the highest levels of Jannah and give patience to the people of Iran.

10-            Hon. Salim Vayani, Secretary-General, National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF)

Your Excellency,

On behalf of the National Muslim Leaders Forum (NAMLEF) and the Muslim community in Kenya, I extend our deepest condolences to you and the people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the tragic demise of Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in a helicopter crash yesterday.

We are profoundly saddened by this catastrophe that also claimed the lives of Mr. Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Ayatollah Ale-Hashem, Friday Imam of Tabriz; Malek Rahmati, Governor General of East Azerbaijan; the Head of the President's Security Team; and the helicopter's pilots and flight crew. This tragic event represents an immense loss not only to the Iranian nation but to the entire Muslim Ummah.

Kenya and Iran have enjoyed deep-rooted bilateral relations since our respective independence, and it is in this spirit of friendship and solidarity that we share in your grief. The loss of these esteemed leaders is a blow to all who valued their contributions to their country and to the broader international community.

We pray for the departed souls, asking Allah (SWT) to grant them Jannah and to provide their families and the people of Iran with patience and strength during this difficult time. We also wish for the Islamic Republic of Iran to overcome this challenging phase with a smooth transition, Insha’Allah.

May Allah (SWT) shower His mercy upon the departed and bring solace to those who mourn their loss.

11-            Dr. F. S. Abdalla, Ag. Chairman, Inter-Religious Council of Kenya

H.E. (Dr.) Ali Gholampour, Ambassador, The Islamic Republic of Iran,

Your Excellency,

"Inna Lillah wa inna ilaihi raji'un" (Indeed, to Allah we belong and to Allah we shall return).  

It is with profound sorrow that we write on behalf of the Inter-Religious Council of Kenya (IRCK) and the entire religious fraternity in Kenya to extend our deepest condolences to you, the people of Iran, and the families of the victims following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of His Excellency President Ebrahim Raisi, the Iranian Foreign Minister, and other esteemed leaders and officials.

This devastating loss is felt deeply, not only within Iran but around. the world. The passing of these dedicated public servants leaves a void that will be challenging to fill. Their commitment to their nation and their contributions to international diplomacy have been immeasurable, and their legacy will undoubtedly endure.

During this time of profound grief, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved families. We share in your mourning and stand in solidarity with the people of Iran as you navigate through this period of national tragedy.

May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the resilience and unity of the Iranian people provide comfort and strength during these trying times.