The ABN Family reflect on the passing of a true African Heroine

Wangari Maathai, 1940 - 2011

“It is with great shock that we learnt about the death of Prof Wangari Maathai. What a loss! She was a heroine to all of us and we cherished her for her courage in her struggle against the forces of destruction of this earth and for doing her best to reclaim our culture and nature. We will miss her terribly. Ours is to let her live long through emulating her work and her courage.”

“She was tireless in her battle for the preservation of environment.”

“Wangari´s passing away is a great loss for Africa and the World including the struggle for forest conservation and women´s rights.”

“Even if her body died, however, her spirit and her works shall perpetuate through generations.”

“This is a great loss for the world. The forests are crying.”

“Tribute to her vision, passion, persistence and amazing leadership to bring solace to mother earth and life in it. Hope the legacy she left us inspires many to follow her steps and live the life she envisioned. That should be the best way to celebrate her life and an icon she was!”

“Having persons with such spirit is so rare talk, less of devoted women. May her soul rest in peace, sure she will be remembered always and I pray those of us still alive should continue where she has ended to prove our love for her and value of what she started, did and introduced.”

“Prof. Wangari Mathai has fought the good fight. Her spirit and works shall perpetuate to generations. We commit to follow her steps.”

“What a shock, what a great loss for our Africa. It was and remains a reference for all lovers of natural health and green in Africa. “

“Professor, you will remain burning in all our memories, indomitable brave lady. This is a goodbye!”

“Freedom fighter, artisan of non-violence, protector and friend of nature forests, Professor Wangari Mathai , your soul rest in peace after this life's service to humans on this earth. For us who are still here, so we have a duty to work to sustain the achievements of the elder. And its new home, it will shine with joy at having to fight for sustainable development.”

“What a loss to us all, but let us keep her vision and hopes alive in our work, and may her soul rest in peace. And may her family, friends and colleagues in Kenya be comforted by knowing how widely loved and respected she was.”

"We are still in shock. I cannot imagine the pain of losing a great personality, much more at the peak of her career. We will definitely miss her and her work in saving the forests."

"We have lost an icon but let us draw inspiration from her illustrious life to work towards the attainment of our common dreams. Let us connect all positive energies around our communities to build resilience at all levels."

"Professor, you were a heroine in all aspects.”

“Long live your vision of a Holistic Just Earth Community.”

“Let us all endeavor to ensure that she continuously live within our midst as we care for Mother Earth.”

"It is a sad day since we all know that Prof Wangari Mathai was the heroine of the entire world and we all remember with admirations her concerted efforts and courage as she battled the forces of environmental destruction and impunity. And she won many battles and a lot of recognition including the coveted Nobel Prize.”

‘Thank you Wangari for being an inspiring role model - an advocate for the whole Earth Community and a strong women leader. May your soul rest in peace among the forests you have nurtured. And let us be guided by the roots of Earth's wisdom, united in solidarity, branch out and bear fruit of a healthy and resilient Earth Community.”

“Let us all take time to reflect on her work and the best gift we can give our departed heroine is to emulate her and carry on the torch of hope and to continue to protect the biodiversity with more vigor, zeal and determination. Yes, her successes should inspire all of us to carry on her dreams for the earth. Long live the dream she put in all of us.”

“Getting such a charming and energetic person is once in a lifetime."

“Mama, May your soul rest in peace.”

“Let her soul rest in peace.”

Rest in Peace.