Esther Nyambura Mwangi - ForeverMissed.com Online Memorials

Dr Esther Nyambura Mwangi

This memorial website is dedicated to Esther Nyambura Mwangi our shining star 14th Dec 1965 - 5th October 2019 . We will remember her forever.

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October 7, 2019

Never in a million years had I thought I'd be writing this.
"But sadly a great expert has gained her angel wings, you really were one of a kind Dr Esther and I don't think you ever realised that and I just wish you stayed longer’’
I don't think it's ever going to sink in that I will never see you again, u were such an amazing Scientist I learnt so much from you including Gender and tenure rights, you will forever be in my heart.
My prayers are with Family and friends
Rest in peace

October 7, 2019

This is indeed sad news. I have known Esther from Kenyatta university where we were yearmates in Bot /Zoo. We later met at ICRAF as we undertook our PhDs and most recently when she returned to CIFOR Kenya when we had opportunity to interacted more closely. Esther was a brilliant, focused, hardworking and very resourceful scientist. Earlier in the year, we planned to organize a meeting with a few of our girl friends from KU . Her demise is a big loss not only to CIFOR, ICRAF, Kenya but the world at large. .I pray that the Lord of all comfort will minister His presence to the family during this difficult season. Rest In Peace Esther!

October 7, 2019

It's more heart-wrenching to lose such an ardent and principal scientist at such a time as this. Our deep interactions at the green belt movement will forever be etched in my personal and institutional psyche.
Only God knows why and we sincerely thank Him for the precious times he allowed us to share.
R.I.P

October 7, 2019

So sad, I met Esther in a Forest tenure workshop at white rhino Nyeri.I was previledged to sit next to her..She was so intelligent...I remember telling her that shes worn a nice perfume and immediately she wrote it down for me the name in my note book..She will be missed by many..RIP Esther

October 7, 2019

Ester will be sorely missed, she had so much to offer and was
really passionate about her work and I am just sorry I did not know
her for longer. I am sure the wider community will look at
marking her contribution in a fitting way, certainly I will try to do
her memory justice as we move on and develop work on mountains
across the African continent.

October 7, 2019

Dear Esther,

we were planning such a nice project together, skyping regularly to make our dreams happen in the Kenyan mountains. I did not realize that the silence in the last two months would be definitive. We are missing you!
But we will make sure that you work and your spirit will continue to live here on Earth.

Thank you for everything, Esther.

October 7, 2019

Dr. Esther, I learnt of your death this morning with utter shock. The brief moment I knew you last year while doing Itare SCMP in Bomet left me impressed at your calm but genius nature. I remember you challenging me on how we can incorporate gender issues in WRUAs. I learnt a thing and was sure to gather more when we met again in our journey of service to the Kenyan public. Rest well Doc you'll be dearly missed

October 7, 2019

Esther, I am shocked beyond words that can describe. I just saw you a few months ago after many years while we were in graduate school. When I first met you in Cochabamba in 2007, I felt connected to you as another kenyan girl swimming in the deep end with high expectations and enthusiasm to make it through our doctorate studies. By nature of our cross-cutting studies, we kept in touch through emails although we kept meeting in this beautiful places like Los Banos. Your confidence and assurity helped me wade through the life journey, and even when we met again earlier this year in Nairobi, you still carried the same aura. Go well my friend, say hello to Elinor Ostrom...

October 7, 2019

Dear Esther,

I am truly shocked by your passing. Way too early.

I have fond memories of the times we both were at Indiana University, and I have kept following your impressive career since then. You are deeply respected and loved within the commons community.

You will be sorely missed. Rest in piece.

Marco

October 7, 2019

Devastating news to say the least.
I first met you at the Global Landscapes Forum last year.
I admired how you carried yourself with confience and articulated issues.
You also supported our Community Development work last year in Mt. Elgon.
Go well and may you find eternal peace.

October 7, 2019

"Is mum in her office? " that's a common question we asked at CIFOR Nairobi hub.
You taught me so much within a very short time. Your intelligence and work ethics were highly admirable. You changed my life. You lit an amazing fire in me that will never burn out.

Thank you Esther. Shine on your way as you go.
Rest well mum.

October 7, 2019

Dear Esther, I remember when you were at KWS (as a researcher) back in about 1994 and how we talked about community conservation (I was at AWF at the time). I remember providing some ideas and suggestions as you undertook your PhD. I remember how we discussed about community and gender empowerment when you were at CIFOR. More recently we discussed about carrying out some research on real community owned participatory forest management - sadly that did not (yet) come to fruition.

Yes, I mourn but I also celebrate a life well lived, a life that touched many from all walks of life, a life that is also changing the way we view participatory forest management

Be at peace my friend

October 7, 2019

You were truly an intelligent, inspiring and influential African scholar. A sister that some of us grew up looking up to academically. After many years of waiting to work together, our first joint project was just around the corner, but now I have to reconcile with the fact that this will have to be done without your brilliant mind. You will be greatly missed. Your outstanding contributions to making this world a more just and equitable place will live on. Rest in perfect peace.

October 7, 2019

Oooh, Esther, the news is really sudden. Your office visitors ended up at my office many a time, confusing Esther Mwangi and Esther Mungai...which made me curious to know you... I didn't know you enough yet...and now you are gone...a great scientist, a great woman, a great gender colleague...Rest well Esther, may the angels take good care of you...

Hugs,

Esther Njuguna-Mungai

October 7, 2019

May you rest in peace Esther.

I remember listening to Esther speak at the Global Landscapes Forum in Nairobi last year and thinking how commanding and gentle she was!

She will be greatly missed by all.

October 7, 2019

I met Esther 19 years ago while she was in Bloomington, IN studying for her PhD. I married her niece and she became ‘Aunty Esther’ even though she’s just a few years older than me.

Throughout the years, we hosted Aunty many times as she was crossing the globe on to her next assignment. I always looked forward to seeing her and learning about her latest research/presentation/publication. She also had great travel stories that would keep me laughing. While visiting, Esther and her nieces and nephews would gather to have day-long (or all-night) conversations around the dinner table. I could never keep up.

Recently, she has been our host when we visit Nairobi. She opened her home and provided extreme generosity to my family that cannot be repaid. I’ll miss you.

eric

October 7, 2019

We had some interesting discussions on how we help this continent move forward in managing its natural resources particularly the forests. Your brilliant insights and thoughts still make me think when that discussion will continue. But now that seemed too far. I assure you that that vision of yours will continue.

Rest in peace Esther. Shine up there, as you did it brilliantly here.

October 7, 2019

Rest in Peace Daktali.
Greatly missed by community members you worked with and supported in May, Mt. Elgon, Mt. Kenya region and NACOFA.

October 7, 2019

Really sad that Dr Esther Mwangi has left us. Her warm Kiswahili greetings, Jambo, sasa, still fresh in our communication. Her professional conduct and scientific ethics will remain as tribute of her work. Good well and rest in peace Esther. Our prayers with the family

October 7, 2019

Esther and I often dreamt about strengthening the role of African professionals in the land and natural resources sector. We talked about our challenges... laughed and cried over them... hugged and walked with our backs straight to face the next steps with courage and confidence.

A brilliant and supportive sister Esther was to me. Giving up or quitting was never part of our dreams but holding each other's hands and those coming after us was always a priority.

I miss Esther but the work continues. Esther you are forever here.

October 7, 2019

Esther will always remember your smile and laughter when cracking heads in grad school or theories or research design or some analysis, it reduced the stress and made it much more pleasant. I will remember when lived in same apartment building as Kunle and piles of papers to read and make sense of, and again always asking inputs and generously share yours and crafting our dissertation. What fun it was to meet you in Kenya when IFRI was collecting field data for CIPEC and you will into you fieldwork. I was eager to hear all experiences you had to prepare for mine, and you took me to a club with friends in Nairobi and kindly told me all about it over drinks and find music cd laungh by a friend of yours. Since grad school you always quickly and with a funny or kind phrase responded to my emails on any subject. You will be remembered and greatly missed my dear friend. Hugs

October 7, 2019

Very dear Esther, I cannot believe what I am reading, friend, I am frozen!!!,
The days we spent working and writing together in Frankfurt 2 years ago, made me love your intelligence, warmth and sense of humor even more. I allways hoped to have more chances to work and share with you, as women from developing countries working on community forests and sharing a "commons" perspective". Dear Esther, may your beautiful spirit will blow over the African forests, over women dancing, over children playing in African communities, you will be present, dear friend

October 7, 2019

Esther, I am sad beyond words that can describe. Africa and the world lost one of her brilliant, intelligent and brave scientist. I was lucky to interact with you intimately during our MRI -SLC meetings in Spain and in Switzerland representing Africa. Last month, in Nairobi, I asked where is Esther, and I was told you are taking a break. I wish I knew that you were sick my sister. Now it is too late.
I am sure you fought cancer right until the end with all your heart and soul to the last second, and you won!! Nothing can hurt you now, Esther and Rest in absolute peace.
I will miss you.
Aster

October 7, 2019

Hi Esther,

I still try to learn little by little the fact that you're gone. The news came surprising for all of us. However, I'm happy you're not sick anymore. I hope you rest in peace.

Rest in peace Esther Mwangi, you're virtue will forever be alive.

Much love,

October 7, 2019

Let me say on behalf of all of us with the International Association for the Study of the Commons (IASC) that we too are very very sad about Esther’s passing. She was a very insightful commons scholar and was an important and active community member and leader in the IASC global community. She was elected as an IASC Executive Council member beginning this year. I know I speak for the entire IASC community and others in the commons scholarly community when I say she will be greatly missed, and we send our love and support to all of her friends and family at this difficult time.

October 7, 2019

To daktari
It was good knowing you for over 15 years and having worked very closely with you.
I remember I met you after 15 years in a virtual platform and what you did to me changed my life despite having more than 15 years apart.
The much yu guided me in undertaking publishing and peer reviewing in journals remains indebted to her.
Go in peace and we live to actualize your dreams when on earth.
Till we meet again Rest in peace doc

October 7, 2019

Still hard to believe!Esther I remember our last meeting early this year and we agreed to come up with a concept on how to get men involved in gender mainstreaming.We have been putting this together with your great insights,but Lo,you are no more!.You and I laughed where no one thought you could..a great soul you were Esther .Go well my friend and RIP,you will be greatly missed .

October 7, 2019

I kind spirited and dedicated friend who cared deeply for this world and her family. A bright light has gone out and you will be missed dear friend. I loved how you stood up for the wrong in this world.
Sleep well dear friend.

October 7, 2019

I stummered alot around her... her aura demanded respect ... yet contrary to that she was gentle .. soft spoken. I will aspire to be a great scientist like you were Esther... your passion ... your vast knowledge ... shall continue lighting that fire in me, to be exceptional and the very best because I cant afford to be any less...

Rest well mum till we meet again

October 7, 2019

Chère Esther,
J'ai appris la triste nouvelle hier. je n'en reviens pas. Il y'a juste un an, tu nous invitais à Nairobi pour le compte du Cifor. Un événement que tu as organisé avec tact et brio, avant-pendant et après. nous devrions ensuite écrire un article sur mangrove et décentralisation......mais la triste nouvelle est tombée. J'ai beaucoup apprécié ton professionnalisme et ton désir de partage. la phrase phare que je retiendrai de toi est "Isn't it?".
Reposes en paix Esther!
Abdoulaye Diamé, Ngo WAAME (Senegal)

October 7, 2019

Esther my beautiful kind and funny friend. It seems like only yesterday when we were wide eyed first years in KU lamenting the long walks to attend lectures. Thirty seven years of friendship. We grew, laughed and cried together. I"ll be missing you. Rest in peace, till we meet again. Njeri

October 7, 2019

I met Esther in Moi University where we became very close friends. I was doing my undergraduate and she was doing her masters. Esther was very calm, quiet and soft spoken. But she was also very intelligent and it was no surprise that she went on to become Dr Mwangi. She was a faithful friend and went to visit my mum several times in Kitale despite the fact I was out of the country. We will miss her so much. To the family, I am lifting you up in prayers and may you be wrapped in Gods love and comfort. And to Esther, Lala salama and give Lydiah a hug for me.

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Recent Tributes

November 11, 2019

May your body and soul rest in peace. Its a gesat honor to read and understand your work in gender and forests tenure and resources from African continent perspective and real contributions in the sector. My heartfelt condolences!

November 5, 2019

Esther you have gone too soon. A true African woman warrior, a woman on a mission. Injustice was something you could not tolerate no matter the origins or class. When I think of the definition of "intersectionality" and gender it truely epitomizes all that Esther stood for.
Thank you Esther for all that you did for so many. Your spirit lives on WARRIOR!

November 3, 2019

I have taken long to read through the messages about my friend Esther. We met through a colleague and I found out Esther already knew me. I have to mention that in the works we did, she was always passionate about doing the right thing and that whatever we did in our project work impacts society positively. RIP Esther.

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Gallery

Many fond memories - Gender access to and use of forest resources workshop, Bogor 2014

Workshop_Rethinking Environmentalism_SFR_Frankfurt Germany 2016

Dr. Esther, WRA and the Ogiek during Itare Chemosit SCMP Launch.

CIFOR, WRA team and Itare Chemosit Water Resource Users Association during the Sub Catchment Management Plan development in Bomet County - Kenya

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It's unbelievable you have left us...Family of Githu passes condolences to the family...R.i.p jirani

October 28, 2019

Condolences from Githu's family...it was unbelievable our neighbour u have left us soon..may your soul rest in peace

A tribute to my sister Esther Nyambura Mwangi, from Lydia Macharia

October 14, 2019

My Dear Sister Esther was a very neat and stylish person since she was a child and she loved beauty.She was very principled and extremely articulate. She was forthright and had a lot of wisdom. I remember instances where I would ask her for advice, and she was always willing to assist me. She loved all her siblings and cared for the whole family. She would do anything to make us feel loved and comfortable.

Esther was very generous and ready to assist in any way possible. She had a big heart that accommodated everybody; young and old. She was very caring, and she would go an extra mile to help those in need.

Esther was a God-fearing person. She lived in many countries and wherever she went she would join a nearby Christian Community. I witnessed this in Indonesia where she joined a church and used to drive for more than one hour from Bogor to Jakarta every Sunday to attend the Church service and meet the Christian Community. She would provide flowers for the Church, which I came to know by mistake as Esther did her things very privately.

Esther has taught us to love and care for others, to mentor and encourage those who are coming up in life and above all to work hard and not to brag. Greatest of all is the fear of God that she had.

She has left behind a legacy that we will carry on.

Forever in my heart,
Lydia

A workshop experience

October 10, 2019

I am shocked and saddened to hear that Esther has passed away.
My first meeting with Esther was when we ran a day long workshop together at the IASC Biennial Conference in England. We had been corresponding by email for several months but had never met until she arrived in the room where the workshop was to take place. I had been concerned about how we might work together but need not have worried - she quickly put me at ease - while we discussed how to manage the day and re-arranged the furniture in the room to make sure the participants could work in small groups.

We were expecting around 30 participants. By the time the first people appeared we had a plan worked out. We started on time and people kept drifting in - by the time we got to 40 we were starting to run out of chairs, when it got to 60 we were running out of tables and space, by the time it got to 80 it was getting really over-crowded and some people were on tables in the corridor. All this time - while I was running around organising furniture and places to sit Esther kept on with her presentation and engaging in discussion with the participants - totally un-phased by the noise, the interruptions and the chaos that was occurring. In the middle of it all the Campus Manager suddenly appeared at the doorway and announced we were breaking all the health and safety rules and had to vacate the room immediately. For a few seconds there was a stunned silence, and then Esther indicated that she had no intention of leaving and went back to giving her presentation, leaving me to diplomatically remove a visibly furious Manager out of the room where we could discuss the problems away from the participants. We ended up staying in the room, packed with people so there was standing room only, and thanks to her we had one of the best workshops I have ever experienced - she was great fun to work with. I just wish we had had time to do more together.

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