Why US Embassy Will Be Closed On January 9

The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi will be closed temporarily on Thursday, January 9.

In a post on X, the embassy revealed that the offices will be closed so that staff can observe the national day of mourning for the late former President Jimmy Carter.

"In observance of the National Day of Mourning for former President Jimmy Carter, the U.S. Embassy will be closed on Thursday, January 9," the Embassy announced.

Also known as James Earl Carter Jr, Jimmy passed away at the age of 100. He was the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.

The late former US President Jimmy Carter. /US EMBASSY IN CHILE

A Southern Democrat, Carter previously served as the 76th governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975 and in the Georgia State Senate from 1963 to 1967. His age is distinctive given that he was the oldest living past or present US President in American history.

He was born on October 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, at the Wise Sanitarium, where his mother worked as a registered nurse. Carter thus became the first American president born in a hospital.

Following his passing, leaders worldwide eulogised Carter, highlighting his unwavering commitment to public service and goodwill. During his presidency, Carter’s efforts to curb conflict were notable, with one of his first acts being the declaration of unconditional amnesty for Vietnam War-era draft evaders.

President William Ruto eulogised Carter as “an extraordinary leader whose dedication to public service was epic.” Ruto also acknowledged Carter as a “powerful champion for global peace and human rights.”

Ruto further emphasised Carter’s contributions to addressing climate change, crediting his role in advancing climate change advocacy. “We are indebted to his pioneering voice on actions for a healthy planet that have protected our natural environment and slowed climate change,” Ruto remarked.

Former U.S. President Barack Obama, who has Kenyan roots, mourned Carter as a man dedicated to public good and humanity.

“He believed some things were more important than reelection — things like integrity, respect, and compassion. Because Jimmy Carter believed, as deeply as he believed anything, that we are all created in God’s image,” Obama noted.

The U.S. Embassy, through Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard, eulogised Carter, highlighting his contributions to Africa, including his efforts to end apartheid in South Africa and nearly eradicating Guinea worm disease.

Carter will be accorded a state funeral on Thursday, with his body currently lying in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda. Various U.S. leaders have made their way to the Capitol to pay their last respects to the former President, who was widely recognised for his humanitarian efforts in the Middle East.

Notable world leaders, including outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden, President-elect Donald Trump, and former President Barack Obama, are expected to attend Carter’s funeral in Washington, D.C.

President William Ruto and his outgoing US counterpart, Joe Biden inside the White House on May 23, 2024. /PCS