The first ever female Nobel Laureate from Africa, environmental activist and former MP for Tetu died Sunday night at Nairobi Hospital of cancer-related complications at the age of 71. Wangari Maathai’s death has been felt by many. Despite Trending on Twitter, thousands of personalities and celebrities have expressed their condolences to the family for this profound loss.
Former UN secretary general, Kofi Annan in a statement sent out this morning said: “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.”
“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”.
Nelson Mandela’s Twetter page remembered the fallen legend by posting a link to photos of her lecture during the 3rd Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture on the foundation’s Face Book.Bottom of Form
Other celebrities paying tribute include Sauti Sol who tweeted: “#WangariMaathai, you are a mother and a hero. Kenya and the world at large mourns you. We dedicate to you, 'Awinja'”
While Eric Wainaina’s tweet read: “Today, Kenya mourns the loss of one of her greatest heroines, Prof Wangari Maathai.”
Female MP and presidential aspitrant Martha Karua also tweeted: “We join family and friends in mourning Proff Wangari Maathai a phenomenal woman a friend and role model. You lived, you inspired!”
On American actress and singer Kerry Washington tweeter page, was the message: “… RIP MOTHER OF TREES.”
Maathai, who was divorced, leaves behind three children and a grandchild.
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