NAIROBI, Kenya, Sept 4 — European Union Ambassador to Zimbabwe Katrin Hagemann, who previously served as the bloc’s Deputy Ambassador to Kenya, has died suddenly, prompting an outpouring of tributes from Kenya’s diplomatic community .

📻 Breaking It Down

Hagemann died on Thursday, September 3, the EU Delegation to Zimbabwe confirmed, describing her death as “sudden and unexpected.”

“It is with deep sadness that we confirm the sudden and unexpected passing of H.E. Ms Katrin Hagemann, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Zimbabwe, on 3 September 2026,” the EU delegation said in a statement.

The delegation said it would not issue further comments out of respect for her family, as colleagues and diplomats mourned her death.

📌 What You Need to Know

Hagemann’s passing has also been felt in Kenya, where she previously served as the EU’s Deputy Ambassador and built close relations with the country’s diplomatic community.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Zimbabwe Gertrude Angote described her death as a major loss to the diplomatic community, recalling Hagemann as a warm and gracious diplomat who was supportive of Kenya and its embassy in Harare.

“I am deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of H.E. Ms K. Hagemann, Ambassador of the European Union to Zimbabwe,” Angote said.

“Her passing is a great loss to the diplomatic community and to all those who had the privilege of knowing and working with her. She was exceptionally warm and gracious, very supportive of Kenya and our Embassy here in Harare.”

Angote said Hagemann had developed a genuine affection for Kenya and Africa, highlighting her participation in Kenya’s Jamhuri Day celebrations in 2025 and her visit to the Kenyan Embassy in Harare to sign the Book of Condolences following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.

“These reflected her deep respect and friendship towards Kenya,” Angote said.

📰 Source: Capital FM Kenya