Wangari Muta Maathai (1940-2011)

Wangari Muta Maathai (Pix: abww.wordpress.com)

It is with great sadness that the family of Professor Wangari Maathai announces her passing away on 25th September, 2011, at the Nairobi Hospital, after a prolonged and bravely borne struggle with cancer. Her loved ones were with her at the time,  The Green Belt Movement International said today in a brief statewment.



 

"Professor Maathai’s departure is untimely and a very great loss to all who knew her—as a mother, relative, co-worker, colleague, role model, and heroine; or who admired her determination to make the world a more peaceful, healthier, and better place."

Prof. Wangari Muta Maathai started the Green Belt Movement in 1977, working with women to improve their livelihoods by increasing their access to resources like firewood for cooking and clean water. She became a great advocate for better management of natural resources and for sustainability, equity, and justice. A synopsis of her life and work can be read here.

Prof. Maathai leaves her three children—Waweru, Wanjira, and Muta—and a granddaughter, Ruth Wangari. They are truly very grateful for all the prayers and support they have received.

"Further information on how Prof’s life will be celebrated, where to share memories and condolences, and how to join us to build her legacy for generations to come will be provided shortly," The Green Belt Movement International concluded.

• The African Press Organization mourns the death of Wangari Maathaï

In another brief statement the Africa Press Organisation (APO) said "It is with great sadness that the African Press Organization learns about the death of Mrs. Wangari Maathaï.

Wangari Maathaï, first African women to receive the Nobel peace prize, contributed to the dissemination of the African voice across the world."

APO noted it had been honored to relay her message of peace through her various positions on account of the International Criminal Court, the Rotary International, or yet again via Nobel Women Initiative.

“I wish, on behalf of the African Press Organization, and on my personal behalf, to extend my sincere condolences to her daughter Wanjira Mathaï, to her personal Assistant Lucy Wanjohi, as well as to all the members of staff of Green Belt Movement International”, declared, on Monday, the Secretary General of the African Press Organization, Mr. Nicolas Pompigne-Mognard.