Former Cabinet Minister and veteran diplomat Ambassador Burudi Nabwera has died aged 99, bringing to a close a career that spanned diplomacy, government service and elective politics.
Nabwera made history as Kenya’s first Ambassador to the United States and the country’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He also served as Minister of State in the Office of the President.
In 1988, he became the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency following its creation.
Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya mourned Nabwera, describing him as an accomplished public servant who dedicated his life to serving the country.
“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,” the CS stated.
Nabwera was among the key figures involved in Kenya’s early diplomatic engagements following independence. He served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations from December 1963 to September 1970 before taking up the role of Kenya’s first Ambassador to the United States.
His career also extended to senior government and political positions, including serving as Minister of State in the Office of former President Daniel arap Moi.
Nabwera additionally served as Secretary-General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), the party that governed Kenya for decades before the introduction of multiparty democracy.
He later ventured into elective politics, becoming the inaugural MP for Lugari Constituency after it was established in 1988. In Parliament, he represented residents of the constituency at the national level.
Former Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Cabinet Secretary Eliud Owalo also joined other leaders in mourning the veteran politician, recognising his contribution to public service and Kenya’s development.
Owalo said he received the news of Nabwera’s death with profound sadness, describing him as an experienced leader who played a significant role in the country’s affairs.
He recalled interacting closely with Nabwera in 2008 when the veteran diplomat served as a consultant at Nzoia Sugar Company.
“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.
