Kenyan Ambassador to Qatar Patrick Ahenda has died

President Uhuru Kenyatta has described Kenya's Ambassador to Qatar, the late Patrick ‘Paddy’ Cornel Odero Ahenda as a "patriot and devoted public servant."

Confirming his death on Monday, April 4, the President eulogised 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 mourned.

He went further to state that Amb. Ahenda had overseen tremendous growth in trade and people-to-people exchanges between Nairobi and Doha during his tenure.

“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."

According to the President, Amb. Ahenda ensured increased trade flows between the two nations with Kenya’s exports to Qatar growing to over Sh9 billion annually.

"In addition, Amb Ahenda helped attract a growing number of Qatari investors into Kenya who invested in real estate, manufacturing and other sectors of our economy,” he said.

The Head of State concluded by praying to God to grant the family of Amb. Ahenda, led by his wife Mama Millie Ahenda, and the children strength and fortitude to bear the loss of their beloved kin.

The late was appointed Kenyan envoy to Qatar in 2018. Prior to his appointment, Ahenda served as an MP for Kabondo Kasipul between 2005 and 2007 following the death of his predecessor Peter Owidi.