Groups want park named after Nobel Laureate

Civil society groups now want the Freedom Corner section of Uhuru Park renamed after Wangari Maathai.

They are also proposing that the city’s Processional Way changed to Wangari Maathai Way.

This, they argue will be a way of honouring the renown environmentalist for her relentless efforts in protecting the park.

Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park was the proposed site for Kanu’s 60-storey tower, whose construction Prof Maathai single-handedly blocked.

“We are in the process of drafting a petition to Parliament and we have already approached some MPs to sponsor the motion on the floor of the House,” said Njeru Kathangu, who has been organising the signing of tributes to Prof Maathai at Uhuru Park for the last one week.

Mr Kathangu added that state resources should not be used in the name of conducting a state funeral for Prof Maathai.

He said it should be a simple ceremony in accordance with her wishes. (SEE IN PICTURES: Wangari Maathai)

These sentiments were echoed by former Kabete MP Paul Muite who called on the government to honour Prof Maathai by carrying on her conservation efforts through protection of Mt Kenya and Mau forests.

The civil society groups also demanded a public apology from retired President Moi for alleged harassment on Prof Maathai by police during his era.

They made these demands on Friday at Freedom Corner when they lit nine candles to represent the nine planets of the solar system, a sign of Prof Maathai’s love for nature.

The Nobel Laureate will be cremated on Saturday at the Kariokor crematorium.

According to the funeral organisers it will be a private event which will only be attended by family members. (READ: All set for Maathai’s official funeral rites)

Members of the public have been encouraged to attend a ceremony at Freedom Corner where inter-faith prayers would be held beginning 8 am and the state will pay final respects.

Viewing of the body and a gun salute will, however, not characterise the event.

Separately, Eldoret North MP William Ruto led students and staff of Nairobi University’s Kabete campus in planting 71 trees in memory of Prof Maathai.

The indigenous trees were planted at the Wangari Maathai Institute site, University of Nairobi Upper Kabete Campus with each representing a year that the late Nobel Laureate spent on earth.

Mr Ruto said the government should ensure the law that calls for every Kenyan to put 10 per cent of their arable land under tree vegetation is effected.

“This is the only way we will improve our reducing forest cover,” said the MP.

Dr Isaac P Kalua,Chairperson and founder of environmental group Green Africa Foundation who were among the organisers of the event said the 71 trees will keep Wangari’s campaign alive.

Dr Kalua also said that the foundation seeks to grow a minimum of 5.6 million trees before her anniversary next year and many more across the continent towards a green Africa

He said according to the National Census 2009, there are 5.6 million households in Kenya that use fire wood for cooking every day, hence, destroying the ecosytem.

The Wangari Maathai Institute will be located on a 50-acre parcel of land donated by the university.