Kenyan leaders mourn 'Man of Many Firsts' Mzee Burudi Nabwera

Ndunyu Joseph 15:25 - 09 October 2026

An image of Burudi Nabwera

Remembered as a "man of many firsts," Nabwera was a prominent post-independence figure who served as Kenya's first Ambassador to the United States and its first Permanent Representative to the United Nations following independence in 1963.

Kenyan leaders have expressed deep sorrow following the passing of veteran diplomat, former Cabinet Minister, and KANU Secretary-General Mzee Burudi Nabwera, who died on Friday, October 9, 2026, at the age of 99.

Renowned as a "man of many firsts", Nabwera was a towering figure in Kenya's post-independence history.

He holds the distinction of being Kenya's first Ambassador to the United States and the country’s first Permanent Representative to the United Nations following independence in 1963