Uhuru Kenyatta Pays Emotional Tribute to Qatar’s Former Emir Sheikh Hamad, Hails Him as a ‘Visionary Statesman’
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta has joined world leaders in mourning the death of Qatar’s former Emir, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary leader whose leadership transformed the Gulf nation into a global economic and diplomatic powerhouse.
Sheikh Hamad, who ruled Qatar from 1995 to 2013, died on Sunday, July 12, at the age of 74, according to an announcement by Qatar’s Amiri Diwan. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from leaders around the world, with Qatar declaring a period of national mourning in honour of the Father Emir.
In a statement released on Monday, July 13, 2026, through the Office of the Fourth President of Kenya, Kenyatta conveyed his heartfelt condolences to Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani Royal Family and the people of Qatar.
“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,” Kenyatta said.
The former Kenyan Head of State praised Sheikh Hamad for steering Qatar through an extraordinary period of transformation, saying his vision reshaped the country’s future while strengthening its influence on the global stage.
“He was a visionary statesman who transformed Qatar into a modern, prosperous nation and championed education, diplomacy and sustainable development,” Kenyatta stated.
Kenyatta also acknowledged the late leader’s role in strengthening bilateral relations between Kenya and Qatar, noting that Sheikh Hamad remained committed to international partnerships and fostered lasting friendship between the two nations.
“My family and I stand in solidarity with the people of Qatar during this period of mourning,” he added, praying that the late leader be granted eternal rest in Jannah.
Sheikh Hamad is widely credited with laying the foundations of modern Qatar during his 18-year reign. Under his leadership, the country became one of the world’s leading exporters of liquefied natural gas, expanded its global diplomatic influence, established the Al Jazeera media network and secured the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He voluntarily handed power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in 2013 in a rare peaceful transition among Gulf monarchies.
His death has been widely described as the end of an era for Qatar, with tributes continuing to pour in from governments, diplomats and international leaders who have recognised his enduring legacy in shaping the country’s modern identity
Legacy of Qatar’s Former Emir
Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani died at the age of 74, bringing to a close the life of a leader widely credited with transforming Qatar into one of the world’s most influential and prosperous nations.
He served as the country’s Emir from 1995 to 2013, having assumed power in June 1995. During his 18-year reign, Qatar underwent a remarkable economic transformation fueled by the development of its vast natural gas reserves, emerging as the world’s leading exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Beyond economic growth, Sheikh Hamad significantly expanded Qatar’s diplomatic and geopolitical influence, positioning the Gulf nation as a key player in regional mediation and international affairs. His government also launched the Al Jazeera news network in 1996, a landmark move that reshaped the media landscape across the Middle East and elevated Qatar’s global profile.
In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad made history by voluntarily stepping down and handing power to his son, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in one of the Gulf region’s rare peaceful transfers of leadership.
His tenure is further remembered for Qatar’s successful bid to host the 2022 FIFA World Cup, a milestone that accelerated billions of dollars in investments in transport infrastructure, education, healthcare, sports and cultural development.
Qatar, which gained independence from Britain in 1971, has been ruled by the Al Thani family since the mid-19th century. Under Sheikh Hamad’s leadership, the country evolved from a relatively small Gulf state into a globally recognised economic, diplomatic and sporting hub.
Retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s tribute adds to the growing list of condolences from leaders around the world, reflecting the widespread recognition of Sheikh Hamad’s lasting legacy in shaping modern Qatar and strengthening its influence on the international stage.
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