Former Cabinet Minister and veteran diplomat Burudi Nabwera has died at the age of 99.
Nabwera served in several key government positions, including as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States, the country’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Minister of State in the Office of the President.
He also served as the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency after it was established in 1988.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya was among leaders who mourned Nabwera, describing him as a dedicated public servant who contributed to Kenya’s diplomatic relations and national development.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Mzee Burudi Nabwera, a distinguished leader and diplomat who served our nation with dedication and honour,” Oparanya said.
“His contribution to Kenya’s diplomatic relations, governance and national development will remain etched in our history,” he added.
Nabwera played an important role in Kenya’s early years after independence. He represented the country at the United Nations from December 1963 to September 1970 before becoming Kenya’s first ambassador to the US.
He later served as Minister of State in the Office of former President Daniel arap Moi and was also Secretary-General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), the party that governed Kenya for many years before the introduction of multiparty politics.
Nabwera eventually joined elective politics, becoming the first MP for Lugari following the constituency’s creation in 1988.
Former Information, Communication and Technology Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo also mourned the veteran leader, saying his death was a loss to the people of Lugari and the country.
Owalo recalled interacting closely with Nabwera when the former diplomat served as a consultant at Nzoia Sugar Company in 2008.
“I remember him as a leader whose experience and contribution to the institution were invaluable. His demise is a great loss to the people of Lugari, and the nation at large,” Owalo said.
Nabwera’s career spanned diplomacy, government service and elective politics, with roles in Kenya’s foreign relations and public administration.
