President Ruto mourns Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative Sheikh Tahnoon
President William Ruto has sent a message of condolence to the President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Ruler of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, following the death of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler's Representative in the Al Ain Region.
In his statement, the president expressed his sorrow on behalf of the Kenyan government and its people, highlighting the significant impact Sheikh Tahnoon had on the UAE.
Ruto's message
"I have learnt with a heavy heart the passing on of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region," Ruto said in a message on his X account. 
"On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, and on my own behalf, I convey sincere condolences to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and through him to the Al Nahyan family and the people of the United Arab Emirates," he said.
Ruto also acknowledged the contributions of Sheikh Tahnoon in the establishment of the UAE, crediting him with a pivotal role in the formation of the union.
"The late Sheikh Tahnoon will be remembered for the pivotal role that he played in the establishment of the United Arab Emirates, by working together with the founding father of the nation, Sheikh Zayed, which culminated in the declaration of the Union on December 2, 1971," Ruto wrote.
"May God give strength to the Al Nahyan family to overcome the big loss and have mercy on the late Sheikh Tahnoon bin Mohammed Al Nahyan. May his soul rest in eternal peace," he concluded.
Sheikh Tahnoon, an uncle of the current UAE president Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, passed away on Wednesday.
Sheikh Tahnoon last respect
Following his death, the UAE Presidential Court declared seven days of official mourning, with flags flown at half-mast starting from Wednesday.
The Ruler's Representative Court in the Al Ain Region described Sheikh Tahnoon as “one of the few people who, from an early age, had the honor of accompanying” the founder of the UAE, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, gaining practical experience and knowledge from him.
In his distinguished career, Sheikh Tahnoon worked closely with Sheikh Zayed on "the great Union project," which resulted in the formation of the UAE on December 2, 1971.
He served as the Minister of Municipalities and Agriculture and was appointed as the Ruler’s Representative in the Al Ain Region on August 9, 1971.
