The first Governing Council of UNEP was held in Nairobi. In 1973, Dr Mungai was elected its first chairman/COURTESY, UNEP
Dr Mungai who served as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister in the 70s passed on at the Nairobi Hospital where he had been receiving treatment.
President Uhuru Kenyatta described Dr Mungai as a patriotic leader who was at the fore fighting for Kenya’s independence.
“Dr Mungai’s name will be remembered alongside other icons of Kenya’s freedom struggle who laid down their lives and made self-sacrifices for the sake of our country’s independence,” President Kenyatta said.
President Kenyatta said the late Dr Mungai will also be remembered for his services as a medical doctor in the country.
“To everyone who knew him and had the privilege to work with him, Dr Mungai was respected as a humble, kind and courageous man who had a singular sense of duty to his family and the nation at large,” the President said.
Deputy President William Ruto in his message of condolence to the family described Dr Mungai as a professional leader with etiquette and dedication in his work.
“It is his type of fierce loyalty and unwavering patriotism that enabled Kenya to find stability and a path towards prosperity after independence,” Ruto said.
He said Dr Mungai will be remembered for his commitment to promoting education and the role of science and technology in addressing socio-economic challenges.
“Even as we mourn his passing, we must remember to be thankful that our nation gained immeasurably from the life and work of such a talented and visionary man as Dr Mungai,” he said.
Dr Mungai was awarded the Commander of the National Order of Merit in April 2014 by the President of the French Republic for spearheading relations between Kenya and France.
He was the brain behind the union of Nas Airport Services with French catering company – Servair which is the third largest airline caterer and the largest in Africa.
He was also instrumental in the formation of UNEP and the location of its headquarters in Nairobi.
The first Governing Council of UNEP was held in Nairobi. In 1973, Dr Mungai was elected its first chairman.
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