Ruto mourns Norway’s King Harald, recalls historic Kenya visit
President William Ruto mourned the death of Norway’s King Harald V, describing him as an exceptional monarch whose life was defined by duty, dignity, humility and devotion to his people.
King Harald died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital Rikshospitalet on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 89, after more than 35 years on the Norwegian throne.
In a condolence message to Norway, President Ruto extended his sympathies to Queen Sonja, the Royal Family, the Norwegian 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,” President Ruto said.
He praised King Harald’s long reign, saying it mirrored Norway’s transformation into one of the world’s most prosperous, stable and respected societies, anchored in strong institutions, prudent management of national wealth, social cohesion and high living standards.
President Ruto said the late monarch remained a symbol of continuity, national unity, constitutional duty and public service during profound social and global changes.
He also credited King Harald with championing values including democracy, good governance, human rights, peace, sustainable development and international cooperation.
The President said the late King’s influence extended beyond Norway, describing him as a champion of an outward-looking Norway committed to dialogue, human dignity, multilateralism and a rules-based international order.
Ruto recalls Norway visit
President Ruto said King Harald’s death was particularly significant for Kenya because it came less than three months after his historic official visit to Norway on June 8 and 9, 2026—the first visit to Norway by a Kenyan Head of State.
He recalled the hospitality extended to his delegation and his engagements with the Norwegian leadership, including his audience with Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace.
“I retain warm memories of the hospitality extended to my delegation and I, including my audience with the Crown Prince Haakon at the Royal Palace, and of the warmth and friendship that characterised our engagements with the Norwegian leadership and people,” he said.
According to the President, the visit opened a new chapter in Kenya-Norway relations, strengthening cooperation in peace and security, climate action, maritime affairs and the blue economy, trade and investment, sustainable development and multilateral cooperation.
He said the areas of cooperation reflected values associated with King Harald’s reign and Norway’s engagement with Kenya, Africa and the wider world.
Kenya pledges to deepen ties
As Norway begins a new chapter following the death of the monarch, President Ruto said Kenya stood with the Royal Family, Government and people of Norway.
He described King Harald as an exceptional monarch whose legacy of dignity, unity and humanity would endure.
“His Majesty King Harald V has departed, but the values he embodied and the nation he helped shape will endure,” President Ruto said.
He pledged that Kenya would honour the late King’s memory by continuing to nurture the friendship between the Kenyan and Norwegian peoples and deepen cooperation between the two countries.
King Harald ascended the Norwegian throne in 1991 following the death of his father, King Olav V. He became widely known for his approachable style and role as a unifying national figure during periods of crisis and social change.
Norway is now mourning the death of its long-serving monarch, with his son succeeding him as King Haakon VIII.