Veteran diplomat Ambassador Boaz Mbaya has died, marking the end of a long and distinguished career in public service and international diplomacy.

His death was confirmed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who announced Mbaya’s passing on Sunday morning and paid tribute to him as a principled patriot and respected civic leader.

“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Amb. Boaz Mbaya. The Valogooli community has lost a towering figure, and the nation has lost a statesman who served with honor and wisdom,” said Mudavadi.

He extended condolences to Mbaya’s widow, Florence Mbaya, their children, and loved ones, calling him a devoted family man and a leader whose impact spanned generations.

Mudavadi, who enjoyed a close relationship with the late ambassador, described him as a political confidante whose counsel was grounded in mutual respect and trust.

“I fondly recall our thoughtful exchange in October 2024 when he led a delegation from the Former and Retired Ambassadors Association of Kenya (FRAA) to my office,” he added.

Ambassador Mbaya served in high-profile diplomatic assignments in Ethiopia, Tanzania, and France, among other postings.

He also held the position of Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and remained engaged in public policy long after retiring from formal government roles.

He chaired FRAA and led the Centre for Policy Analysis, a think tank focused on governance and international relations.

In 2019, Mbaya authored Kenya’s Foreign Policy and Diplomacy: Evolution, Challenges and Opportunities, a landmark publication offering six decades of insight into the country’s foreign affairs.

Most recently, he played a key role in Raila Odinga’s 2024 bid for the African Union Commission Chairmanship, serving in the Northern Africa Strategy team.

Ambassador Mbaya is survived by his wife, Florence, and their family.