Kenya’s first Ambassador to the United States and former Lugari Member of Parliament (MP) Burudi Nabwera has died.
In an announcement on October 9, Co-operatives and MSMEs Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya described Nabwera as a distinguished leader and diplomat who served the country in various capacities.
Nabwera served as Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States and its first Permanent Representative to the United Nations. He also served as Minister of State in the Office of the President.
“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. As Kenya’s first Ambassador to the United States and first Permanent Representative to the United Nations,” read part of the statement.
He was the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency after its creation in 1988.
Burudi Nabwera Is Dead
In his condolence message, Oparanya said Nabwera had made significant contributions to Kenya’s diplomatic relations, governance and national development.
He extended his condolences to Nabwera’s family, friends, the people of Lugari and the country following his death.
Former Cabinet Minister Eliud Owalo said he worked closely with Nabwera in 2008, when he served as a consultant developing the strategic plan for Nzoia Sugar Company, where Nabwera was the board chairman.
Owalo described Nabwera’s contribution to the institution as invaluable, saying his death was a great loss to the people of Lugari and the country.
“I had the privilege of interacting with him closely when I served as a consultant in the development of the strategic plan for Nzoia Sugar Company in the year 2008, where he was the Chairman of the Board of Directors. I remember him as a leader whose experience and contribution to the institution were invaluable,” read part of the statement.
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Career and Politics
Born in 1927 in Lugari, Kakamega County, Burudi Nabwera came from the Bamarakalu clan of the Abatachoni sub-tribe of the Luhya community. He lost his mother when he was 10 but continued his education through academic scholarships.
His early education took him to Chebwai Adventist School, Kaimosi and Maseno School, where he formed lasting friendships with future nationalist leaders Jaramogi Oginga Odinga and Masinde Muliro.
He later attended Makerere University in Uganda before proceeding to the United Kingdom to study social anthropology and sociology at the London School of Economics, graduating in 1961.
Following Kenya’s independence in 1963, President Jomo Kenyatta appointed Nabwera to represent the new nation in the United States. He arrived in Washington, DC, on December 11, 1963, to establish Kenya’s first diplomatic mission in the country.
Nabwera presented his credentials to US President Lyndon B. Johnson and worked to strengthen Kenya’s international standing and attract foreign investment.
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He also served as Kenya’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations, presenting his credentials to UN Secretary-General U Thant. He held the two diplomatic positions until 1970, when he returned to Kenya and entered domestic politics.
Burudi Nabwera later rose through the ranks of the Kenya African National Union (KANU), serving as the party’s Secretary-General during President Daniel arap Moi’s administration.
He subsequently became Minister of State in the Office of the President, overseeing key areas that included security and provincial administration.
In 1988, Burudi Nabwera became the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency after it was created. He lost the seat to Apili Wawire during the 1992 General Election, as Kenya experieAdmin searchnced a shift towards multiparty politics, and later stepped back from active politics.
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