NAIROBI, Kenya, Jul 16- A vocal Kenyan environmentalist, known for fighting for Kiambu forest which is under constant threat from private developers, has been killed.
Joanna Stuchburry was shot dead four times by gunmen at her home, which is located along Kiambu Road. The incident happened on Thursday.
She was killed along the drive way of her home according to police and witnesses.
“It is her neighbour who had visited her home who discovered her body in the car. Her car’s engine was still running,” a detective privy to the ongoing investigations told Shahidi News.
Nothing was stolen from her, with reports indicating she might have been targeted.
Stuchburry was known for fiercely speaking against developers eyeing Kiambu forest amidst the shrinking forest cover in the area. She had even managed to get court orders barring development in the area.
A manhunt for her killers has been launched. The killing has left many shocked.
“I can’t sleep.Joanna Stuchburry on my mind. I feel sad and angry and a lot of other emotions that are scary. I feel dark inside. Prayers aren’t helping. There is no peace,” Jackie Arkle, the deceased environmentalist friend said in a post on her Facebook.
“Oh dear Lord… Why? Why? Why? Couldn’t you make the bullets just backfire on the people who shot her?”
President Uhuru Kenyatta condemned the killing and ordered security agencies to track down the perpetrators of the heinous act.
In his message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends, the president said his administration greatly appreciates the contribution of Stutchbury in conserving the environment.
“It is very sad, unfortunate and regrettable that bad people have senselessly taken away the life of Joanna Stuchburry in such a senseless manner,” the President said in a statement on Friday.
“For the longest time, Joanna has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment,” the President mourned.
The Head of State promised Government action to track down and apprehend killers of Ms Stuchburry terming them cowardly enemies of the Kenyan nation.
“My Government will pursue and apprehend the criminals behind the killing of Joanna. We will not allow few misguided individuals to continue shedding blood of innocent people working hard to make Kenya a better place for all of us. Those are cowardly enemies of our country,” President Kenyatta said.
Stuchburry moved to Kiambu town in 1988. She was attracted by the forest lands and the quiet life around the forest.
“The forest is gone now,” she had said in an earlier interview. “The birds don’t sing anymore and the ponds have gone dry.”
The Kiambu forest — which covers an area of more than 1,000 hectares — was officially gazzeted to be protected after independence in 1963, but its trees have been disappearing.
“I have written letters, went to the press but the forest still went,” said Stutchbury.
Stuchburry and hundreds of other protestors took to the streets to stop the “land grabbing by Kenya’s wealthy business people.”
“They have grabbed every available space, now they are turning to forests. What will they leave for our children?” she asked.
Was her death linked to her noble initiative to protect the forest?
“Your death will not be in vain. Yours and the late Dr. Esmond Bradley- Martins murder also need to be investigated thoroughly. If we need to bring in the FBI so, be it,” Arkle said.
Lobby group, Amnesty International-Kenya has called for investigations into her killing.
Who wanted Joannah Stuchburry dead?
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