President Uhuru Kenyatta has sent a message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends of Begum Shameem Ahmed who passed on after a short illness.
The late Mama Shameem Ahmed is the mother in-law to Education Cabinet Secretary Ambassador Amina Mohamed.
In his message, President Kenyatta described Mama Shameem Ahmed as a great woman and a respected citizen who served the nation with distinction.
President Kenyatta said Mama Shameem Ahmed was one of the pioneer women in public service who believed in and championed girl child education.
“Indeed Begum Shameem Ahmed was one of the most distinguished ladies of her time. She was a matriarch, completely devoted to her family and the nation,” said President Kenyatta.
“She was one of the women pioneers in public service, especially education. She believed that no girl should be left behind and that girls have the ability to change the world.”
The President said Mama Shameem’s achievements can be seen in the way she raised her family in love, saying many will undoubtedly miss her wise counsel and guidance.
“Indeed Begum Shameem Ahmed was a great woman, committed to excellency and dignity as reflected in the way she brought up a distinguished family including Mr. Khalid Ahmed, husband to CS Amina Mohamed, whose service and patriotism has helped transform our nation in many ways,” said the President.
He said the death of Mama Shameem Ahmed is not only a big loss to the family and the community, in which she lived, but the country at large.
President Kenyatta prayed to God to give the family, relatives and friends the strength and grace to bear the loss.