The World Mourns Wangari Maathai

"Therefore, the tree became a symbol for the democratic struggle in Kenya. Citizens were mobilised to challenge widespread abuses of power, corruption and environmental mismanagement,"

Wangari Maathai

Pro. Wangari Maathai

Professor Wangari Maathai, foremost Kenya enviroronmental and political activist, has passed away. She died on Sunday night, September 25, 2011 at 11pm after a prolonged battle with ovarian cancer. She was 71.

According to Lucy Wanjohi, her personal assistant, "the former Tetu MP was in and out of hospital two weeks prior to her demise, as her health deteriorated. "She was so selfless that she gave herself to be beaten, intimidated and injured by the Kanu administration," Njoya said.

In 2004, she became the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize for her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace.

Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Prof.Wangari Maathai. "Wangari Maathai will be remembered as a committed champion of the environment, sustainable development, women's rights, and democracy. Her contribution to all these causes will forever be celebrated and honoured.

Wangari was a courageous leader. Her energy and life-long dedication to improve the lives and livelihoods of people will continue to inspire generations of young people around the world," Annan said, "Her award of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, the first to be bestowed upon an African woman, rightly underscored the important nexus in her work between sustainable development, peace and human security".

May her soul rest in peace...amen.