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Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has joined the growing number of leaders expressing their condolences over the death of His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
The Aga Khan IV, as he was widely known, passed away at the age of 88 in Lisbon, Portugal, with the news confirmed by the network on Tuesday. He was the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
In a statement on Wednesday, Kalonzo extended his deepest sympathies to the Ismaili community worldwide during this time of mourning.
He shared memories of his personal interactions with Prince Karim, as well as the Aga Khan’s remarkable contributions to sectors such as health and media. Kalonzo recalled first meeting the Aga Khan when he served as Kenya’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, during which Kenya officially recognized the Aga Khan’s philanthropic work. This recognition led to the creation of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has greatly benefited Kenya, including through the establishment of Aga Khan Hospital and Aga Khan University.
The Aga Khan University, founded in Pakistan in 1983 as part of AKDN, aims to enhance life quality in developing countries through education, research, and healthcare. Its Kenyan and East African branches were launched in 2000.
Kalonzo also highlighted his visit to Pakistan at the Aga Khan’s invitation while he was Minister of Education. During this trip, he toured the Aga Khan Hospital in Karachi and the Hunza region, the Aga Khan’s homeland, before writing a Cabinet memo that led to the establishment of the Aga Khan Hospital in Kenya as a teaching institution with a nursing faculty.
Kalonzo noted that the Aga Khan University has expanded to offer degrees, and the Aga Khan Hospital has become a premier medical facility serving not just Kenya but the entire East African region.
He also mentioned the Aga Khan’s significant contributions to Kenya’s tourism, banking, education, and media sectors. The Aga Khan played a crucial role in promoting African freedom by providing a platform for Africans through the Daily Nation newspaper and worked tirelessly to advance East African integration and global peace.
Succeeding his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims at just 20 years old in 1957, the Aga Khan dedicated his life to improving conditions for the most vulnerable populations around the world.
In line with his vision for accessible healthcare, the Aga Khan Development Network has established 53 outreach medical centers across Kenya, providing general and specialized medical services, including diagnostic care.
