President William Ruto has joined word leaders in mourning loss of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and foreign minister Hossein Abdollahian who perished in a helicopter crash on Sunday, May 19.

In a statement on social media, the Head of State extended his heartfelt condolences to the people of Iran.

“In light of the tragic news of the passing of H.E. Ebrahim Raisi, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Foreign Minister, H.E. Hossein Abdollahian and his entourage of senior officials through a helicopter crash, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences and solidarity with the people of Iran at this challenging time,” Ruto wrote.

He described late president Raisi as a fearless leader who remained firm in his leadership.

“President Raisi was a fearless leader and a dedicated public servant with a long and distinguished career in public service.

“He was a firm leader committed to the causes that he believed in and sought to elevate Iran’s standing on the global stage.”

President Ruto recalled strengthening of Kenya-Iran relations through President Raisi’s visit to Kenya.

“Kenya and the Republic of Iran share cordial relations signified by the fact that in his first-ever trip to the African Continent as President, H.E. Ebrahim Raisi chose Kenya as his first destination.

“As we condole with the people of Iran, we commend Allah’s mercy and comfort to the people of Iran,” he added.

According to the IRNA state news agency, Ayatollah Mohammad Ali Al-e Hashem, the Imam for Friday prayers in Tabriz, and General Malek Rahmati, the governor of East Azerbaijan province, were also on board when the chopper crashed.

Additionally, Sardar Seyed Mehdi Mousavi, the commander of the president’s protection unit, and several bodyguards and helicopter crew members also lost their lives.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the helicopter carrying President Raisi experienced some technical issues and made a hard landing, as reported by state media.