US Embassy, Nairobi
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The U.S. Embassy in Kenya will observe a temporary closure on Thursday, January 9.
The embassy will be closed in recognition of the national day of mourning for the late former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on December 29, 2024 at the age of 100. The announcement was made via the embassy's account on X. Jimmy Carter, who was the oldest living past US President, is currently lying in state at the US Capitol Rotunda. Many prominent US leaders have gathered there to pay their respects, with his state funeral scheduled for Thursday.
Carter's political legacy includes his service as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. Prior to his presidency, he was the 76th Governor of Georgia and a member of the Georgia State Senate. His administration is recognized for advocacy in peace and humanitarian initiatives, notably granting unconditional amnesty to Vietnam War-era draft evaders.
Global leaders have celebrated Carter's life and contributions, with Kenyan President William Ruto labeling him an extraordinary leader and an advocate for global peace and human rights. Ruto also acknowledges Carter's efforts in climate change advocacy, crediting him for promoting environmental protections. Former President Barack Obama, who has familial ties to Kenya, reflects on Carter's commitment to public service and humanitarian values.
He emphasizes the principles of integrity, respect, and compassion that Carter embodied throughout his lifetime. Through Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard, the US Embassy recognizes Carter's significant contributions to the African continent, particularly his role in combating apartheid in South Africa and efforts toward eradicating Guinea worm disease. Notable figures such as President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former President Barack Obama are expected to attend Carter's funeral in Washington, D.C.
His son remarked, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Jimmy Carter is survived by his four children—Jack, Chip, Jeff, and Amy—as well as 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Smith Carter, predeceased him on November 19, 2022. His humanitarian efforts earned him the Nobel Peace Prize, which he received in 2002, recognizing his lifelong commitment to peace and human rights.
Born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, as James Earl Carter Jr., he was the eldest of four children.
Raised in a family that ran a peanut business, he developed a multifaceted background that included excelling as a basketball player in high school before serving in the US Navy for seven years. During his military service, he married Rosalynn, but was deeply affected when he had to resign in 1953 following his father's death. This event compelled him to return to Plains and oversee the family’s struggling farm, a challenge he ultimately transformed into a successful enterprise.