Veteran Diplomat Burudi Nabwera, Kenya’s First US Ambassador, Dies at 99

Burudi Nabwera, a veteran diplomat and former cabinet minister, has died aged 99, prompting tributes from senior officials.

He served as Kenya’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations from December 1963 to September 1970 and subsequently became Kenya’s first ambassador to the United States.

In domestic politics, he held the post of Minister of State in the Office of the President during the administration of former President Daniel arap Moi and served as Secretary-General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU). He was elected the first Member of Parliament for the newly created Lugari Constituency in 1988 and lost the seat in the 1992 elections.

He chaired the board of directors of Nzoia Sugar Company from 2007 for a three-year term, after which Julius Nyarotso succeeded him in 2010.

Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya expressed sorrow, saying “I am deeply saddened by the passing of Ambassador Mzee Burudi Nabwera, a distinguished leader and diplomat who served our nation with dedication and honour,” and added “His contribution to Kenya’s diplomatic relations, governance and national development will remain etched in our history.” Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi mourned the loss, describing Nabwera as “Kenya has lost a distinguished statesman whose life was defined by service, patriotism and an enduring commitment to our nation.” 2027 presidential aspirant Eliud Owalo recalled working with him in 2008 on the strategic plan for Nzoia Sugar Company and said “I remember him as a leader whose experience and contribution to the institution were invaluable.”