President Ruto Mourns Norway’s King Harald V, Hails Legacy of Service and Kenya-Norway Ties
In a formal statement issued on August 29, 2026, under the seal of the Republic of Kenya, the President said he received the news of the King’s passing with profound sorrow.
His Majesty King Harald V of Norway. Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
President William Ruto has sent a message of condolence to the Royal Family, Government and people of Norway following the death of His Majesty King Harald V of Norway.
In a formal statement issued on August 29, 2026, under the seal of the Republic of Kenya, the President said he received the news of the King’s passing with profound sorrow.
“On behalf of the Government and people of the Republic of Kenya, the First Lady, my family and on my own behalf, I extend our deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Her Majesty Queen Sonja, the Royal Family, the Government and the people of Norway. Kenya mourns with Norway the passing of an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty, dignity, humility and unwavering devotion to his people,” Ruto said.
King Harald V, who had reigned for more than 35 years, leaves behind an extraordinary legacy. President Ruto noted that the King’s life mirrored Norway’s own journey — from a young Prince whose family experienced exile during the Second World War, to a monarch who presided over Norway’s consolidation as one of the world’s most prosperous, stable and globally respected societies, anchored in strong institutions, prudent stewardship of national wealth, social cohesion and high living standards.
The President described the late monarch as a symbol of continuity, national unity, constitutional duty and public service through periods of profound social and global change, and said his reign reflected Norway’s enduring commitment to democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development and international solidarity.
Beyond Norway, Ruto said King Harald’s influence was felt across Europe, Africa and globally, championing an outward-looking Norway committed to dialogue, human dignity, international cooperation and multilateralism.
“His life and reign helped reinforce the country’s standing as a principled and trusted partner committed to peace, a rules-based international order and a more just and sustainable world,” the statement read.
For Kenya, the passing is particularly significant, coming less than three months after President Ruto’s historic Official Visit to Norway on 8th and 9th June, 2026 — the first ever by a Kenyan Head of State.
Ruto said he retains warm memories of the hospitality extended to him and his delegation, including his audience with Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace.
He added that the visit opened a consequential new chapter in the longstanding Kenya-Norway relationship, strengthening cooperation in peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs and the blue economy, trade and investment, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
“These shared aspirations resonate deeply with the values that characterised His Majesty’s reign and Norway’s engagement with Kenya, Africa and the world,” Ruto said.
The President said that as Norway mourns and enters a new chapter in its national history, Kenya stands with the Royal Family, Government and people of Norway.
“His Majesty King Harald V has departed, but the values he embodied and the nation he helped shape will endure. Kenya will honour his memory by continuing to nurture the friendship between our peoples and deepen the partnership between our two nations,” he said.
He wished Queen Sonja, the Royal Family and the people of Norway strength and consolation, and concluded: “May His Majesty King Harald V rest in eternal peace.”
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