City roads to be named after Maathai, Rubia and Otunga

Nairobi County is set to rename three roads in the city as part of celebrating heroes and heroines for their selfless service to the country.

As part of Mashujaa Day celebrations, the county government said that Forest Road will be renamed Professor Wangari Maathai road, Cross Road renamed Charles Rubia Road and the road between City Hall Annexe going past Cardinal Otunga plaza up to Uhuru highway will now be known as Cardinal Otunga road.

Speaking during the celebrations, County Secretary Dr Robert Ayisi, who read Nairobi County Governor Evans Kidero’s speech, said that the county will honour the trio for their efforts in championing different causes during their lifetimes.

“Today marks a special day in the history of our great nation. It is the day on which we pause to pay tribute to our national heroes and heroine, present and past as well as reflect on what we can learn from their lives and experiences,” said Dr Ayisi.

The late Professor Wangari Mathaai will be remembered for championing for environmental conservation through her Green Belt Movement where she opposed several attempts by different regimes in the country to degrade forests and public parks.

“Today we remember Professor Wangari Mathaai as a towering figure, a fearless social activist and an environmental crusader and first African woman to win the Nobel Peace prize. In recognition of her tireless campaigns for safe environment, the Nairobi County is privileged and pleased to announce that Forest road will now be Prof Wangari Mathaai road in her honour,” he said.

“Professor Mathaai’s unrelenting spirit kept would-be forest land grabbers at bay,” he added.

The late Cardinal Maurice Otunga, first African bishop, will be honoured for fighting for human rights and dignity of the African people.

“He fought and condemned vices in the government like corruption which he saw as perverting the human moral order. He was a key figure in Africa fighting for change,” said Dr Ayisi.

First African mayor of Nairobi city Charles Rubia was cited for leading calls for multi-party democracy in the early 90’s.

“In 1990, together with Hon Keneth Matiba, Rubia led calls for multi-party democracy and was subsequently detained by President Daniel arap Moi,” he said of the former Starehe Member of Parliament.