Monday, October 31, 2011

First African Chief Conservator of Forests dies


The Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa (3rd left), the Late Mr. Mburu's widow Mary Berta Sagengen and other relatives at the grave side during the burial
The year 2011 was earmarked as the International Year of Forests by the United Nations. And while has been done to highlight issues affecting the planet’s forests, it is also the year that the world lost its foremost environmental crusader and Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai. But just when the country was starting to recover from the loss, the forestry sector was met with news of the death of the first African Chief Conservation of Forests Mr. Onsesmus Wambugu Muguro. 

Mr. Mburu who took over the management of the then Forest Department from Mr. J P W Logie in 1970 headed it for the next 15 years died on October 11th at the age of 75. 

While condoling his family during the funeral service at Kaharo in Liaikipia, the Minister of Forestry and Wildlife Hon. Dr. Noah Wekesa lauded the Late Mburu for his integrity and dedication to his work during his long service to the nation. The KFS Director while addressing the same gathering also paid his homage saying that Mr. Mburu had been a mentor who many young foresters emulated. 

The Late Mr. Mburu leaves behind his wife Mary Berta Sagengen, four children and a number of grandchildren. 

Story by Caroline Kahuria and pictures by Michael Muratha

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