President William Ruto has revealed that he held a telephone conversation with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
In an update on Wednesday, February 12, Ruto said he conveyed his condolences to the Aga Khan family following the passing of His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
Additionally, Ruto congratulated Prince Rahim on his accession as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Community, and reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Aga Khan institutions.
"I had a telephone engagement with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. I conveyed the condolences of the Government and the people of Kenya following the passing on of his father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
"I congratulated him for his accession as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Community and pledged to continue working together in the areas of education, health, environment, among others," he wrote on X.
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Prince Rahim was on Tuesday, February 11, inaugurated as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, assuming the title of His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V.
This accession followed the passing of his father, Prince Karim al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, who died on February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
The accession ceremony, known as Takht Nashini, took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal, and was attended by global leaders of the Ismaili community.
In accordance with long-standing tradition, King Charles III granted Prince Rahim the title 'His Highness' following his accession.
Prince Rahim attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and later graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in comparative literature.
He has been actively involved in the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), focusing on global issues such as healthcare and environmental sustainability.
The Ismaili community, numbering approximately 12 to 15 million members worldwide, recognizes the Aga Khan as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.
The Aga Khan's role encompasses both spiritual leadership and the promotion of social development initiatives through the AKDN.
