Editor's Review

Senator Haji passed on at a Nairobi hospital aged 80 after a long battle with illness. 

Former Cabinet Minister and Garissa Senator Mohamed Yusuf Haji is dead.

Senator Haji passed on at the Aga Khan hospital aged 80 after a long battle with illness.  

Haji, who was the chair of the Building Bridges Initiative (BBI) Taskforce had been flown to Turkey for treatment in late 2020 but returned to the country recently.

Senator Haji will be remembered for his exemplary leadership and being a career civil servant.

He served the nation in various capacities including; Minister of Defence from 2008 to 2013, acting Minister of Internal Security and Provincial Affairs in 2012, and Senator for Garisaa from 2013 to February 2021.


Senator Haji has been mourned as the father of the BBI and a man of great track record. Here are some reactions from leaders and Kenyans across the country:

Uasin Gishu Woman Rep Gladys Boss: Senator Yusuf Haji will go down in history as somebody who had a great record in the public service. I still remember when he was the Rift Valley Provincial Commissioner and I watched him deal with many crises.

Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang:  The BBI conversation is one of the babies of Senator Yusuf Haji. He will be remembered for many things, but I will remember him for being a father figure for all of us in the Senate. His humility was unmatched.

Radio personality Maina Kageni: Sincere condolences to the friends and family. May Hon. Yusuf Haji Rest In Peace.

Governor Wycliffe Oparanya: Senator Mohammed Yusuf Haji was a dedicated, committed, hands-on and focused public servant who served this country diligently in different capacity. He will be remembered for his contribution, wise counsel and steadfast leadership as chairman of the BBI taskforce team.

Senator Mutula Kilonzo Jnr: The end of a stoic gentleman. In his last engagements at senate, he said a firm NO to one man one shilling formula, had a story to tell when someone messed the BBI report, and had no kind words for the arrest of the three senators. Go well Mzee