Former Cabinet Minister Burudi Nabwera, who helped shape Kenya’s diplomatic presence abroad and represented Lugari in Parliament, has died at the age of 99, prompting tributes from political leaders Eliud Owalo and Wycliffe Oparanya.
Nabwera held several senior public offices, including serving 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 and became Lugari Constituency’s first MP after it was established in 1988. Owalo, who is eyeing the presidency in 2027, described his death as a loss to both Lugari and the country, recalling his professional interaction with the former minister while working on a corporate planning project.
The two worked together in 2008, when Owalo was a consultant involved in preparing the strategic plan for Nzoia Sugar Company, where Nabwera chaired the board. “I remember him as a leader whose experience and contribution to the institution were invaluable,” Owalo said.
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He conveyed his sympathies to Nabwera’s family and relatives, wishing them strength and comfort as they mourned. Oparanya, the Cabinet Secretary for Cooperatives, also paid tribute to the former minister, pointing to his record in diplomacy and public administration.
He described Nabwera as “a distinguished leader and diplomat who served our nation with dedication and honour”. Oparanya said Nabwera’s work in international relations, governance and national development had secured him a place in Kenya’s public history.
“Mzee Nabwera leaves behind an enduring legacy of leadership and public service. His contribution to Kenya’s diplomatic relations, governance and national development will remain etched in our history,” he said.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Lugari and the entire nation during this difficult time, and may the soul of Mzee Burudi Nabwera rest in eternal peace.”
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