Former US President Jimmy Carter President William Ruto has termed Former US President Jimmy Carter as “an extraordinary leader whose dedication to public service was epic.”
He said Carter was a powerful champion for global peace and human rights.
Ruto was paying tribute to Carter, who as president brokered peace between Israel and Egypt and later received the Nobel Peace Prize for his humanitarian work, had died at the age of 100.
His son Chip Carter confirmed the former president had died in his Georgia home on Sunday.
The former peanut farmer served one term in the White House from 1977 to 1981 and dedicated the rest of his life to charity.
He lived out his final years in Plains, Georgia.
Carter's wife of 77 years, Rosalynn, was by his side until her passing on November 19, 2023, aged 96.
At 100 years old, Carter was the longest-lived former president in America’s history.
In his message, Ruto said the world is indebted to his pioneering voice on the actions for a healthy planet that has protected our nature and slowed climate change.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with President Carter’s family and the people of the United States of America. Rest In Peace,” he said.
Other world leaders also paid tribute to Carter following his demise.
US President Joe Biden said America and the world have lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian.
"Over six decades, we had the honour of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well,” he said.
US President-elect Donald Trump said: "The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.”
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi said Carter’s role in achieving the peace agreement between Egypt and Israel will remain etched in the annals of history, and his humanitarian work exemplifies a lofty standard of love, peace, and brotherhood.
“His enduring legacy ensures that he will be remembered as one of the world's most prominent leaders in service to humanity,” he said.
