Ruto mourns Norway’s King Harald, recalls historic Kenya visit
President William Ruto mourned the death of Norway’s King Harald V, describing him as an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty, dignity, humility and devotion to his people. King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 89, after more than 35 years on [...] The post Ruto mourns Norway’s King Harald, recalls historic…
President William Ruto expressed his condolences over the death of Norway's King Harald V, describing him as an exceptional monarch who embodied duty, dignity, humility and devotion to his people. King Harald, who ruled Norway for over 35 years, died peacefully at the age of 89 on Friday, August 28, 2026, at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet.
In a condolence message, Ruto extended sympathies to Norway's Queen Sonja, Royal Family, Government, and people. He praised King Harald's reign, highlighting the transformation of Norway into a prosperous, stable, and respected nation, built on strong institutions, prudent wealth management, social cohesion, and high living standards.
The president noted King Harald's unwavering commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development, and international cooperation, extending his influence beyond Norway's borders.
Ruto recalled his historic visit to Norway on June 8 and 9, 2026, the first by a Kenyan Head of State. He praised the warm hospitality extended to his delegation and his meetings with Norwegian leaders, including his audience with Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace. This visit marked the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya-Norway relations, fostering cooperation in peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs, trade, investment, sustainable development, and multilateral cooperation.
These areas of cooperation reflected the values upheld during King Harald's reign and Norway's engagement with Kenya and the wider world.
As Norway embarks on a new chapter following the monarch's passing, President Ruto pledged Kenya's commitment to honoring King Harald's legacy of dignity, unity, and humanity. He expressed Kenya's solidarity with Norway's Royal Family, Government, and people, vowing to nurture the friendship between the Kenyan and Norwegian peoples and deepen bilateral cooperation. King Harald ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991, succeeding his father, King Olav V, and was succeeded by his son, King Haakon VIII.
Written by urgent.news from KahawaTungu's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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