The United States government, government of Belize, United Nations, the Commonwealth and other groups have shown concerns on the death of the Nobel Peace prize Winner, Wangari Maathai who died on Monday, 26th of September 2011 in Nairobi.
The Kenyan Nobel Peace Prize winner and environmentalist Wangari Maathai died in hospital where she was undergoing treatment for cancer, according to her organisation the Green Belt Movement.
In its reactions, the United States through Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, said that it was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Wangari Maathai, stressing that the world has lost a powerful force for peace, democracy and women’s rights.
Mrs Clinton in a statement made available to White House Correspondents said, “From early on, Dr. Maathai was a tireless advocate for the environment, for women and for all those in the developing world who are unable to realize their potential.
She founded the Green Belt Movement that has planted millions of trees and helped women throughout Africa
improve their lives and the futures of their families and their communities”
“She understood the deep connection between local and global problems, and she helped give ordinary citizens a voice. Her death has left a gaping hole among the ranks of women leaders, but she leaves behind a solid foundation for others to build upon. I was inspired by her story and proud to call her my friend” the statement further reads.
Also, the Government of Belize has reacted, saying that the late Ms. Maathai was a visionary who saw over the tree canopy, but never lost sight of the roots.
Speaking through its Honorary Consul-General in Nigeria, Ambassador Ifeanyichukwu Ifedi, the Belizean government added that Ms. Maathai was a great woman and a leader who made a difference both in her country, Kenya and around the world, one tree at a time.
The United Nations also paid tribute to Professor Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and one of Africa’s foremost environmental campaigners.
“Her passing is a loss for the people of Kenya and the world,” Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in a statement, adding that Ms. Maathai was known throughout the development and human rights community not just for her “inspirational eloquence, but for her human warmth.”
Also, the Secretary-General of Commonwealth, Mr Kamalesh Sharma in his condolence message said: “We offer sincere condolences to the family of Wangari Maathai, and to the people of Kenya. As an activist on both environmental and social issues, Professor Maathai epitomised the Commonwealth theme for 2011 ‘Women as Agents of Change’. We pay tribute to her many abiding contributions and achievements.”