President Uhuru Kenyatta has condoled with the family of Kenya’s Ambassador to Qatar, Patrick Ahenda.
Ahenda, popularly known as Paddy, passed away while receiving treatment at a hospital in Doha.
He was appointed Kenya’s Ambassador to Qatar in 2018 and submitted his credentials to the State of Qatar in 2019.
In his statement, the President eulogized the envoy as a dedicated and committed diplomat who was keen on deepening Kenya’s relations with Qatar and the Arab world.
“We have lost one of Kenya's most devoted diplomats who was keen on strengthening our relations with not only Qatar but the entire Arab world for the benefit of our people,” the President said.
The president pointed out that Ahenda had overseen tremendous growth in trade and people-to-people ties between Nairobi and Doha during his tenure.
“I note with appreciation the work of Ahenda. During his tenure as our envoy in Doha, he facilitated the significant rise in the number of Kenyans working in different fields in Qatar from 25,000 to over 30,000," President Uhuru said.
He said Ahenda also foresaw increased trade flows between the two nations with Kenya’s exports to Qatar growing to over Sh9 billion annually.
"In addition, Ahenda helped attract a growing number of Qatari investors into Kenya who invested in real estate, manufacturing and other sectors of our economy".
The President said at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic, Ahenda mobilized medical aid from the Arab country to support Kenya's fight against the disease.
He described Ahenda as a patriot loyal and devoted public servant whose focus was service to the country and the betterment of the well-being of the Kenyan nation.
“Ahenda will be remembered for his servant leadership during his diplomatic service and before as the MP for Kasipul Kabondo where he left a strong legacy of development.”
Further, President Uhuru prayed to God to grant Ahenda's family strength and fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved kin.
Ahenda leaves behind his wife, Mama Millie Ahenda, and several children.
In his statement of condolence, the ODM Party leader Raila Odinga Raila mourned Ahenda as jovial, welcoming and friendly.
"I had the pleasure of meeting Ahenda about two weeks ago on my way to Nairobi from London," Raila said.
"We had a date to return to Qatar soon after Ramadhan for meetings he was working on with the country’s leadership and business community. His death has therefore come as extreme shock to me."
Further, Raila said Ahenda served his constituents with dedication.
"He was also a committed member of the change movement in Kenya. As a diplomat, Ahenda did much to strengthen relations between Doha and Nairobi,' said the ODM leader.
"He leaves a strong foundation for our two countries to build on" he added.
