Kalonzo Musyoka expressed his condolences following the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, The Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community.
In a Facebook post, Musyoka reflected on the Aga Khan’s remarkable contributions to Kenya and his personal encounters with him.
“I have learned of the passing on of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, The Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims,” Kalonzo said.
Recalling their first meeting during his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Musyoka acknowledged the Aga Khan’s profound impact on Kenya’s development. “It was during this time that Kenya granted diplomatic recognition to the mainly philanthropic work by the Aga Khan,” added Kalonzo.
He praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), describing it as a major development aid network that has since provided numerous benefits to the country.
Musyoka also recounted his visit to Pakistan while serving as Minister of Education, an experience that deepened his admiration for the Aga Khan’s vision. Inspired by the visit, he pushed for the formation of The Aga Khan Hospital as a teaching institution, a proposal later approved by the Cabinet.
“Soon after, I wrote a Cabinet Memo that was approved, resulting in the formation of The Aga Khan Hospital as a teaching institution with the first nursing faculty,” he explained.
Musyoka commended the Aga Khan’s contributions to education and healthcare. He noted The Aga Khan University which had subsequently expanded to become a degree-granting institution, and The Aga Khan Hospital has established itself as a premier medical hospital servicing not only Kenya but the entire region.
Beyond healthcare and education, he recognized the influence of Aga Khan in various sectors of Kenya’s economy. Musyola further acknowledged the Aga Khan’s pivotal role in press freedom and Kenya’s struggle for independence. Additionally, he praised the Aga Khan’s dedication to regional unity.
