Civil society groups now want the Freedom Corner section of Uhuru Park to be renamed after Wangari Maathai.
They are also proposing that the city’s processional Way change its name to Wangari Maathai Way.
This, they argue will be a way of honouring the renown environmentalist for her relentless efforts in protecting the park. Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park was the proposed site for Kanu’s 60-storey tower, whose construction Prof Maathai single-handedly fought and blocked.
“We are in the process of drafting a petition to parliament and we have already approached some MPs to sponsor the motion on the floor of the house,” said Njeru Kathangu, who has been facilitating payment of tributes to Prof Maathai at Uhuru Park for the last one week.
Mr. Kathagu added that state resources should not be used in the name of conducting a state funeral for Wangari Maathai. He said that it should be a simple ceremony in accordance with her wishes.
These sentiments were echoed by former Kabete MP Paul Muite who called on the government to honour Prof Maathai by carrying on her conservation efforts through protection of Mt. Kenya and Mau forests.
The civil society groups also demanded a public apology from retired President Daniel arap Moi for alleged harassment on Wangari Maathai by police during his era. They made these demands yesterday at Freedom corner when they lit nine candles to represent the nine planets of the solar system, a sign of Prof Maathai love for nature.
Prof Maathai will be cremated today at the Kariokor crematorium. According to the funeral organisers it will be a private event which will only be attended by family members.
Members of the public have been encouraged to attend a ceremony at Freedom Corner where interfaith prayers would be held beginning 8am and the state will pay final respects. Viewing of the body and the gun salute will however not characterize the event.
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