The government has finally heeded the call to have a State funeral in honor of Wangari Maathai and declares national mourning Thursday-Friday during which flags will be flown at half-mast.
Many Kenyans see this as a delayed action by the government, bearing in mind the Nobel Laureate passed on two days ago. On twitter and Facebook, a number of people were complaining why the government hasn’t said anything yet in regards to honoring the late professor. Many people saw it as the usual act of the government always failing in honoring people who have worked hard for fellow Kenya and kenyans in general.
Prof Maathai, 71, died on Sunday, September 25, 2011 at the Nairobi Hospital after a long fight with ovarian cancer. She has been eulogised by world leaders for her fight for the environment, democracy and human rights.
Her demise has drawn condolences from world leaders including South Africa's Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, Presidents Barack Obama (United States) and Jakaya Kikwete (Tanzania), British Foreign Secretary William Hague, former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan and the Nobel Committee of Norway among others.
The government said a government representative will join a committee currently coordinating the funeral arrangements. No dates have been set yet for the ceremony.
Humphrey Kariuki Ndegwa, applauded the move.