The First Lady of Kenya, Margaret Kenyatta, unveiled a conference hall named after Prof. Wangari Maathai at Nairobi's August 7 Memorial Museum, linking her environmental legacy to the site of a 1998 terror attack that killed over 250 people.
The Wangari Maathai Hall, established by the August 7 Memorial Trust, recognizes the 2004 Nobel Peace Laureate's work in environmental conservation, diplomacy, and human rights advocacy. The memorial museum, located in Peace Gardens at the former U.S. Embassy site, serves as a tribute to all terrorism victims globally, including those from Britain, Russia, and the U.S.
Kenyatta highlighted Maathai's efforts to protect public lands like Uhuru Park and Karura Forest, noting her battles against land grabbing. 'Because of what she taught us, we now appreciate the underlying links between environmental democracy and peace,' she stated. The hall symbolizes reconciliation following the 1998 attack, which left the nation traumatized.
Maathai, founder of the Green Belt Movement, died in 2011 after a cancer battle. The 2019 ceremony coincided with Africa Environment Day and Wangari Maathai Day, established by the African Union to honor her contributions. Attendees included Green Belt Movement representatives, the Australian High Commissioner, and international guests.
Kenyatta emphasized ongoing challenges like climate change, urging collective action to address its effects. 'Climate change is not a distant threat but a growing reality,' she said, linking environmental preservation to regional stability and human well-being.
