Kenya’s First African Ambassador to the US and Former MP Dies

Veteran Kenyan diplomat and former Cabinet Minister Edward Burudi Nabwera has reportedly died aged 99, ending a public service career that spanned diplomacy, government and elective politics.

During his career, he represented Kenya as its first African ambassador to the United States and its first Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

He also served as Minister of State in the Office of the President.

In elective politics, he became the first MP for Lugari Constituency when it was established in 1988, adding parliamentary leadership to his record of public service.

Meanwhile, Cooperatives and MSME Development Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya paid tribute to the veteran diplomat, recognising his contribution to the country.

“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,” Oparanya said.

Political Career of Burudi Nabwera

Burudi Nabwera entered Parliament in 1969 after defeating Jonathan Masinde to win the Lurambi North seat. However, he lost the seat to Joshua Angatia in 1979.

Nine years later, he returned to Parliament after winning the newly established Lugari Constituency in 1988.

The constituency had been carved out of Lurambi North, and he represented its residents until he retired from active politics in 1992.

In addition to his parliamentary career, he served as Secretary-General of the Kenya African National Union (KANU) and Minister of State in the Office of the President.

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Education and Later Years

Born in 1927 in Lugari, Kakamega County, Burudi Nabwera attended Chebwai Adventist, Kaimosi and Maseno schools before pursuing further studies at Makerere University and the London School of Economics.

After retiring from active politics, he continued to serve in leadership roles.

Between 2007 and 2010, he chaired Nzoia Sugar Company, extending his public service into the corporate sector.

Role in Kenya’s Diplomacy

Earlier in his career, Burudi Nabwera received diplomatic appointments from founding President Jomo Kenyatta at the age of 36.

He became Kenya’s first African ambassador to the United States and its first Permanent Representative to the United Nations.

Through these assignments, he represented the country internationally during its early years of independence, as Kenya established diplomatic relationships and strengthened its presence in global affairs.

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Reflecting on this legacy, Oparanya acknowledged the diplomat’s contribution to Kenya’s international relations, governance and national development.

“His contribution to Kenya’s diplomatic relations, governance and national development will remain etched in our history,” Oparanya stated.

Oparanya also extended his condolences to Nabwera’s family, friends, the people of Lugari and Kenyans.

“I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, the people of Lugari and the entire nation during this difficult time, and may the soul of Mzee Burudi Nabwera rest in eternal peace,” he said.

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A photo of the late Burudi Nabwera, Kenya’s first African ambassador to the United States and former Lugari Member of Parliament. PHOTO/ Eliud Owalo X