Kenyans across the country grieve for Nobel Peace Prize winner Wangari Maathai.
The civil and women's rights activist and environmentalist died in a Nairobi hospital this week where she was being treated for cancer.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NAIROBI RESIDENT, JAMES SIRENGO, SAYING:
"As far as keeping the environment green and so far I think she was the only one fighting that fight, but now that she is gone I think somebody else will come into her shoes."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) NAIROBI RESIDENT, ROBERT MAGONYA, SAYING:
"I'm feeling so bad, I'm so hurting. I like the way she used to act, I liked her principles and the way she used to do things like reforestation and the way she has just maintained forests and the way she has maintained the rights of women, I liked these. So, we feel so sad."
Officials also marked her passing with regret.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) GOVERNMENT OF KENYA SPOKESPERSON, ALFRED MUTUA, SAYING:
"Professor Wangari Mathaai brought meaning to the words peace and environment, she made the whole world understand that water, trees and protection of the environment helps us achieve real peace. She was deserving of the Nobel peace prize because she taught all of us the importance of respecting our planet and respecting each other. Her passion, dedication and focus became a beacon to be emulated by millions."
Maathai won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004, served as a member of parliament and was the founder of the Green Belt Movement, which sought to protect Kenya's forests.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PROFESSOR WANGARI MAATHAI, NOBEL LAUREATE, SAYING:
"And I would like to encourage people in every nation if you have pledged, get together, form networks and remind each other how far have you gone with your commitment so that we can encourage each other to reach the goal where we have set for ourselves."
The veterinary professor became famous for her crusade to stop deforestation in the 80s and 90s.
The courts blocked many of her suits, with lawyers complaining that cases were dropped on technicalities or because documents disappeared mysteriously.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
