| | | Dear Friend, One year ago today, Wangari Maathai, our visionary founder and leader passed away. To commemorate her life a memorial ceremony was held this morning at the GBM office in Nairobi. Wangari’s favourite hymns were sung by family, friends and colleagues. Scripture readings were given by Bishop Peter Njenga. And as would only be fitting, a tree was planted in her honour in the GBM gardens.
| | The Kenyan Prime Minister, Rt Hon Raila Odinga MP, and other dignitaries including the Japanese ambassador to Kenya, HE Toshihisa Takata, joined staff, GBM tree nursery group members, academics and family in remembering her life. Spoken tributes were made by friends and colleagues including chief guest Hon. Rose Waruhiu MP.
Prime Minister Odinga remarked,
"Wangari’s life story reminds us of the power that is within all of us... Her life proves to us that even simple acts of change- restoring forests never come easy. Ask yourself, what if Wangari had sat back and allowed the Karura forest to be destroyed? We’ll need more brave Kenyans to stand up for the restoration of our environment."
| From left to right: Muta Mathai, Wanjira Mathai, Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, Dr. Njeri Gakonyo (GBM Board Chair), and Hon. Rose Waruhiu. | | Mr. Njoroge Ndirangu (left), the Provincial Commissioner for Nairobi, officially launched the 7-day Peace Tent initiative.
| Peace Tent Initiative!
In honour of Professor Maathai GBM has been running its ‘ Peace Tent Initiative’ for one week in advance of the one year memorial. The Peace Tent has been a chance for Kenyans to sign up and actively promote peace in Kenya, and stop the cycle of violence that has happened at each election.
As Wanjira Mathai said today, "Wangari Maathai is a hero because she didn't sit passively when action was called for; she spoke out and acted for what she believed in. Making your pledge for peace is one of the best ways to honour her legacy as we approach elections."
| | So far over 8,000 signatures have been collected! The Peace Tents will return later in the year ahead of the Kenya general elections. Launch of the Wangari Maathai stamp Kenya Postal Corporation today unveiled a new stamp in honour of Professor Maathai. One million stamps have been printed and distributed to 400 outlets across Kenya. To mark the anniversary of her death, no other stamp will be sold throughout Kenya today. You can purchase the stamp for KES 30 at any Postal outlet. __________________________ The family of Wangari Maathai shared this message: Not a day goes by when we do not think of you, our dear mom, sister, aunt and grandmother. We miss your warmth, love, guidance and wisdom — especially now, when peace in our beautiful country seems so fragile. Every time we experience the beauty of nature, we think of you with much fondness. We will always hold you close to our hearts. We miss and love you.
~~~~~ | Kenyan Prime Minister, Raila Odinga, reveals the new Wangari Maathai stamp! | | | | | |
