His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, has passed away.
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) confirmed his death noting that he passed away peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday night aged 88 years.
"His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family," the Network announced
"Prince Karim Aga Khan was the founder and chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network."
AKDN further revealed that the announcement of his designated successor would follow in due course.
"Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network offer our condolences to the family of His Highness and to the Ismaili community worldwide. As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins," the Network added.
Prince Karim Al-Hussaini is a billionaire renowned globally and owns several investments in Kenya that include the Aga Khan schools, hospitals, media establishments (he founded Nation Media Group, the parent of NTV and Daily Nation), and the Aga Khan University.
He was the direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad and the Chairman of the Aga Khan Development Network.
President William Ruto eulogised the late Imam as an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable.
"We are saddened by the passing of The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims," the Head of State shared.
"He was an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable — through his charities in hospitals and schools."
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres also mourned the Imam describing him as a symbol of peace and compassion.
''I am deeply saddened by the news that His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, has passed away. He was a symbol of peace, tolerance and compassion in our troubled world,'' Guterres stated.
''I express my deepest condolences to His Highness’s family and the Ismaili community,'' he added.
The philanthropist was born in Geneva on December 13, 1936, to Aly Khan and British-born Joan Yarde-Buller. Karim spent his early childhood in Nairobi. His works spread across the fields of education, healthcare, and economic empowerment.
