Kenya’s diplomatic and political communities are mourning the death of veteran ambassador and former Permanent Secretary, Boaz Mbaya, who passed away on the morning of Sunday, June 22. His death was confirmed in a touching tribute by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
“It is with a heavy heart that I mourn the passing of Ambassador Boaz Mbaya this morning. The Valogooli community has lost a remarkable civic leader and a true mentor,” said Mudavadi in a statement.
The Prime CS went on to describe Mbaya as a close friend and a trusted political ally. “I have lost a dear friend and political confidante.
We shared a bond built on deep mutual respect and absolute trust. I remember well our thoughtful discussions when he led the Former and Retired Ambassadors Association of Kenya (FRAA) to my office in October 2024,” Mudavadi recalled.
Boaz Mbaya was one of Kenya’s most respected diplomats, with a distinguished career spanning nearly forty years. Throughout his diplomatic service, he represented Kenya in various countries including France, Ethiopia, and Tanzania, earning admiration for his professionalism and insight.
Mbaya also held a significant role in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where he served as the Permanent Secretary.
In that capacity, he played a key role in shaping Kenya’s foreign policy, guiding the country through complex international affairs and helping to strengthen Kenya’s diplomatic ties across the world.
Even after retiring from active government service, Mbaya remained deeply engaged in public life. He served as the chairman of the Former and Retired Ambassadors Association of Kenya (FRAA), where he collaborated with other experienced diplomats to discuss and analyse public policy matters, particularly in relation to Kenya’s global standing.
In 2019, Ambassador Mbaya brought his vast experience and knowledge into writing by publishing a book titled Kenya’s Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Evolution, Challenges and Opportunities.
This book documented the country’s foreign relations journey from independence to the present day. It also explored major turning points in Kenya’s diplomatic history and analysed the country’s evolving position on the global stage.
A key focus of the book was the diplomatic fallout from Kenya’s 2007-2008 post-election violence. The violence led to charges of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court (ICC) against former President Uhuru Kenyatta and current President William Ruto.
Mbaya critically examined the shuttle diplomacy led by then Foreign Minister Amina Mohamed, which aimed to rally support across African nations under the African Union to challenge the ICC’s process.
He offered a thoughtful analysis of how Kenya defended its leaders while navigating allegations of undue Western influence.
Up until recently, Boaz Mbaya remained influential in regional politics. One of his final assignments was as a top adviser and strategist to ODM leader Raila Odinga in his campaign to become the next Chairperson of the African Union Commission.
Ambassador Mbaya’s death marks the end of an era for Kenya’s diplomatic circles. His legacy as a dedicated public servant, seasoned diplomat, and thoughtful policy analyst will be remembered for generations.
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