This archive report was first published on 16 July 2021.
On July 15, 2021, a tragic event shook the community in Kiambu County when environmentalist Joanna Stuchburry was shot dead in her driveway.
According to Dr. Paula Kahumbu, CEO of WildlifeDirect, Stuchburry was shot four times by unknown assailants, with nothing stolen from the scene.
Neighbors reported that a gang of about four individuals had been waiting for Stuchburry in the neighborhood until she arrived at 5 pm, and she was shot minutes later.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers visited the crime scene to conduct forensic analysis and launch investigations into the murder.
Dr. Kahumbu, a die-hard environmentalist, claimed that Stuchburry was killed due to her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from developers.
“Joanna Stuchburry was shot dead this afternoon known 4 her relentless attempts to protect Kiambu forest from developers,” Dr. Kahumbu said on Twitter.
President Uhuru Kenyatta mourned Stuchburry, stating that Kenya had lost an important figure.
“It is very sad, unfortunate, and regrettable that bad people have senselessly taken away the life of Joanna Stuchburry in such a senseless manner,” the President said in a press release.
Uhuru promised that the killers behind Stuchburry's death would be apprehended.
“My government will pursue and apprehend the criminals behind the killing of Joanna. We will not allow a few misguided individuals to continue shedding the blood of innocent people working hard to make Kenya a better place for all of us,” he assured.
