Kenyans and Africans of all walks of life turned to the social media to pay tribute to the departed heroine Prof Wangari Maathai. Facebook and Twitter in particular were awash with comments praising her as the country mourns one of the continent’s greatest women. “Rest in peace Prof Wangari Maathai. A great woman, an inspiration for many women across Africa, a magnificent visionary and embodiment of courage,”
Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete wrote on his Twitter page. “The loss of Prof Wangari Maathai is a loss to this nation. She was a bold woman who fought for what she believed in,” Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka wrote on his Twitter account before announcing that he had called off the launch of Harambee Stars fans plan to travel to Kampala in honour of Wangari. “It should be every leader’s aspiration to leave a legacy like that of Prof Wangari Maathai - a great woman who fought for a worthy course... a great advocate for better management of natural resources and for sustainability, equity, and justice,” Elizabeth Muthoni wrote on her facebook page.
Ken Odero added, “She was an inspiration to many who looked up to her, Kenya has lost great being, the mother who saw it fit to cloth the world RIP W Maathai.” “RIP Prof Wangari Maathai. The environmental lessons you instilled in us will forever live in us,” Boniface Amima. Capital FM’s Laura Walubengo wrote on her Twitter’, “To honour Wangari Maathai, let’s plant trees in earnest for the rest of the year.”
Martha Karua wrote on Twitter: “We join family and friends in mourning Prof Wangari Maathai, a phenomenal woman a friend and role model. You lived , you inspired!” “I am deeply saddened by the death of Prof Wangari Maathai. She was and will always be a great woman who fought,” Industrialist Chris Kirubi posted in his Twitter account. “RIP Prof Wangari Maathai. Nobel laureate, Kenyan heroine, environmental icon, the only politician who refused to bribe voters and won a Parliamentary seat. Prof your candle has burned out but your LEGEND never will,” journalist Joseph Murimi on Facebook.
CNN’s Zain Verjee on Twitter noted; “Woke up to the news Kenya’s Wangari Maathai has died. She was a friend and an inspiration to me.” “My condolences to the family, friends and supporters of the Nobel Laurette. We will forever miss you in the struggle to liberate Kenya from all forms of modern day slavery and oppression. This is a big blow to us who love your great work. RIP dear one,” Kimathi Mwithe wrote.
“Tweetin is not enough to celebrate Wangari Maathai. Plant a tree to remember her,” KTN’s Emmanuel Talam advised.
