Death of veteran Kenyan leader Yusuf Haji mourned

By Andrew Wasike and Mohammed Dhaysane

NAIROBI, Kenya/MOGADISHU, Somalia (AA) – East Africa is mourning the death of Yusuf Haji, a veteran Kenyan politician of Somali ethnic descent who passed away in Nairobi on Monday. He was 80.

The senator from northern Kenya’s Garissa County died of multiple organ failure, a family spokesperson told the media, adding that he was under treatment in Turkey since December 2020, and arrived in his home country on Feb. 13.

“It is very unfortunate that we have lost such a dependable, solid and highly accomplished Kenyan leader,” Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta said in an official statement. “He was a highly respected leader and elder whose wisdom, deep knowledge of the Kenyan society and long experience as a public administrator enabled him to serve the country in various leadership roles with distinction for many years.”

Somali Prime Minister Mohammed Hussein Roble said in his condolences message: “May God have mercy on Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji who was a Somali elder and veteran politician having great influence in the Horn of Africa region.”

"The death of Hon. Senator Yusuf Haji of @Senate_KE. came to me as a deep shock & huge loss. He was a fine gentleman, a selfless politician & truly loved-exemplary elder," Abshit Ahmed, first deputy speaker of Somalia's upper house of parliament, tweeted.

Former Somali President Sharif Sheikh Ahmed also condoled in a separate message.

Jane Marriott, the UK high commissioner to Kenya, said the late lawmaker was a “giant of regional and national politics. He will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

The Turkish Embassy in Kenya sent "deep condolences and sincere sympathy to the bereaved family and to the people of Kenya."

Haji, who also served as a minister for cabinet affairs, and internal security, was the father of Noordin Haji, Kenya’s director of public prosecutions.