Uhuru, leaders eulogise Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji
Mourners at the Riverside home of the late Garissa Senator Yusuf Haji on February 15, 2021.
President Uhuru Kenyatta is among Kenyans who have condoled with the family and the people of Garissa County following the death of their senator, Mohamed Yusuf Haji.
The 80- year-old Haji died on Monday morning while receiving treatment at the Aga Khan Hospital in Nairobi.
In his message of condolence, the President eulogised the veteran politician, who until his death was the co-chair of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Taskforce, as a dependable Kenyan leader and patriot.
“It is very unfortunate that we have lost such a dependable, solid and highly accomplished Kenyan leader.
"Mzee Haji 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," the President said.
The President said the death of Senator Haji is a big blow to the country, especially for the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) constitutional reform process where his leadership will be dearly missed.
"Mzee Haji was a steward of the BBI process and a strong pillar of our desire to construct a cohesive, peaceful and more progressive Kenyan nation. His stewardship of the initiative shall be missed," the President added.
Other leaders who sent their messages of condolences include Deputy President William Ruto, Garissa Township MP Aden Duale, Nominated Senator Abshiro Halake and Governor Wycliffe Oparanya among others.
DP Ruto mourned Mr Haji as a gifted politician who had ground-breaking mediation skills.
He said the country has lost a devoted and indefatigable administrator.
On her part, Ms Halake said Mr Haji was dedicated to serving his country with distinction.
And Mr Duale said Garissa County will miss Senator Haji’s guidance, terming him a man who advocated for peace and harmony among the pastoralist communities.
Governor Oparanya said Mr Haji was hands-on and focused public servant who served Kenya diligently. He said the Garissa senator will be remembered for his contribution and leadership as the chairman of the BBI taskforce team.
