By Nyang’au Araka
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has mourned veteran diplomat Burudi Nabwera, praising his public service and role in establishing Kenya’s diplomatic presence abroad after independence.
In a condolence message sent to GPC, Mudavadi described Nabwera as a distinguished statesman whose dedication to public service and commitment to Kenya he witnessed first-hand.
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“It is with profound sorrow that I have learnt of the passing of (Hon.) Burudi Nabwera, a distinguished Kenyan statesman, diplomat, and former Cabinet Minister,” Mudavadi said.
“I had the privilege of working with (Hon.) Nabwera and witnessed first-hand his dedication to public service, his intellect and his unwavering commitment to Kenya.”
Nabwera, who died aged 99, was among the first Kenyans entrusted with representing the newly independent country on the international stage.
He became Kenya’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations in December 1963 and later served as the country’s first ambassador to the United States.
Mudavadi said Nabwera helped establish Kenya’s voice and presence internationally at a defining moment in the country’s history.
“He was among the first diplomats to represent Kenya abroad at the dawn of our Republic, helping to establish Kenya’s voice and presence on the international stage,” he said.
“(Hon.) Nabwera served his country with distinction and dignity. His contribution to Kenya’s diplomacy and public service will remain an important part of our national history.”
Nabwera’s career extended beyond diplomacy into the centre of Kenya’s political establishment.
He served as secretary-general of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and later held the position of Minister of State in the Office of President Daniel arap Moi.
In 1988, he entered elective politics after becoming the first Member of Parliament for Lugari Constituency following its creation.
He lost the seat in the 1992 general election but remained associated with public affairs, including through his later involvement in the sugar industry.
Nabwera’s journey into public life was preceded by education at Maseno School and Makerere University College, followed by further studies in economics at the London School of Economics.
He initially worked as a teacher before moving into diplomacy and government service.
Nabwera also documented his experiences in his 2017 memoir, Autobiography: Burudi Nabwera — How It Happened, offering a personal account of his life and the political history he witnessed.
Mudavadi extended his condolences to Nabwera’s family, specifically naming Joseph, Julie, Jimmy, Lilian and Dr Helen Nabwera, as well as his friends and Kenyans mourning his death.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family, Joseph, Julie, Jimmy, Lilian and Dr Helen Nabwera, friends and the people of Kenya,” he said.
