RIP

Former head of Public Service Richard Leakey is dead

Leakey was a close friend of Charles Njonjo, who also died on Sunday

In Summary

• Leakey previously worked as Director of the National Museums of Kenya and Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service Board of Directors.

• His death was announced on Sunday by President Uhuru Kenyatta who said Leakey is a globally renown Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist who has over the years served his country with distinction.

Former Head of Public Service Richard Erskine Frere Leakey.
Former Head of Public Service Richard Erskine Frere Leakey.
Image: COURTESY

Kenya's former Head of Public Service Richard Erskine Frere Leakey is dead.

His death was announced on Sunday by President Uhuru Kenyatta who said Leakey is a globally renown Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist who has over the years served his country with distinction.

Leakey previously worked as Director of the National Museums of Kenya and Chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service Board of Directors.

"Besides his distinguished career in the public service, Leakey is celebrated for his prominent role in Kenya's vibrant civil society where he founded and successfully ran a number of institutions among them the conservation organization Wildlife Direct," Uhuru said in a statement on Sunday.

"On behalf of the people of Kenya, my family and on my own behalf, I send heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and associates of Dr. Richard Leakey during this difficult period of mourning."

Leakey was a close friend of Charles Njonjo who died on Sunday aged 101. 

Reportedly, Leakey was the only man in Kenya Njonjo trusted. 

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star