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


October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Dear Esther,
On behalf of Prosper Sapathy, Margit van Wessel and Karen Biesbrouck: We remember and cherish your crispy advice to the Green Livelihoods Alliance. Our thoughts are with your family. May your soul rest in peace.
Peter Oomen
October 10, 2019
October 10, 2019
Esther , I recall vividly, visiting your office and you welcome me and we discussed alot about forest issues. We also discussed about the proposal we had submitted together with your CIFOR offices in Indonesia, thought it was not funded, you promised too look around for another partner. You used to call me to know about the situation of Ogiek and asked if you can offer a hand.
You made me participate actively on community issues during the Landscape Conference. I learned about your demise via a tweet and indeed I was devastated, but I know God had predestined your life in His own order, rest Angels Esther.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Sincere condolences to Esther's family. We loose a great scientist.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I am still trying to bring myself to actually accept that you are no more. It will take time, a lot of time, but knowing you are at peace gives me abit of peace.
My memories go way back from being a small girl who knew her grandma's sister would fly in every so often, and as we had luck living not too far from the airport, you would make a stopover by our house which meant lots of chocolate. We spent Christmas together on some years and I remember one at Olepolos and all the funny stories you and my late Guka told us.
Growing up you have been instrumental through the different levels of life. I always remember when I first moved to Brazil and you told me if I get here and don't like it I shouldn't hesitate to let you know so you can buy me an immediate flight back home. Working for you as your "P.A" when on holidays was something I enjoyed. I got to see how you loved your things done a certain way and within a certain period of time, pure discipline right there. We made annual departure dinners a thing with you and my sisters and that was always fun, the conversations were filled with laughter and great words of wisdom. The many things you did for myself and many that no one else would get to know about because of how you loved keeping things private amazes me, I pray I may grow to be like that. Thank you for the numerous times you hosted me in Kiambu even when I would always be running late, for the amazing moments shared I am forever grateful. Cucu E I was hoping I would see you when I would get home next, but as God had it He would call You home before hand. I will live to remember you from our last dinner earlier on in March, as for the trip we had planned while you would be here for a meeting, we will do it as you are always going to continue living in my heart. I will miss you so so much and no words will be enough to explain it! I pray I will be able to live up to all the great things we had discussed and I know you will be watching from up there. Until we meet again in heaven, I will live on with the same joy enjoying a cocktail every once in a while like we did!! Fare thee well Cucu E, rest in eternal peace and pass my love to the rest of the family members who went ahead of us!! Heaven gained an angel, we gained a legend on earth!!

Love
Eva Babez

October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
What a wonderful woman! Esther’s kindness speaks a lot about her personality. She picked me up at the Indianapolis airport on August 15, 2000, got me a great apartment, encouraged me not to quit my PhD program at Indiana University, and helped me polish my grant proposals. Esther is a great source of inspiration. Oyebade kunle Oyerinde
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Esther Mwangi, you were such a gentle soul. I am in disbelief still. May your light continue to shine wherever you go. You have been set free from all pain.

You will be missed dearly.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I just sadly received the news of Esther's passing on and want to sincerely send my heartfelt condolences to the family.
Esther and I found each other in Boston while she was at Harvard and was amazed when she told me we had met in Nairobi University.
Esther inspired me to study International Relations because she believed we have a responsibility to make our world a better place for all. Esther was easy and a joy to work with. Her accomplishments are unmatched. Selfless and dedicated to see a world where the underprivileged are not oppressed. May her soul rest in Peace. To the family and friends may God be your Peace and comfort at this difficult time
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I'm very shocked and saddened by the news of Esther's passing. Much too soon... Esther and I started out as post-docs at IFPRI, at the same time. Since our last names only differed by just a letter, I would sometimes get her mail in my box (and perhaps vice-versa). So I already felt a close kinship, from the beginning. She was a wonderful colleague, and I regret not having had the chance to actually work with her. I'm comforted, though, that her scholarship and mentorship has inspired and trained a next generation of researchers who can continue the very important and impact-full work that she has done. Her work mattered to real people on the ground, and they have been made better by it -- as have we all. Rest in peace, dear friend and colleague.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Dear Esther - you are no longer with us on earth, but your memories linger. I have so much to recall. A lovely day in June 2002 spent browsing the Masai market in Nairobi with you - my home is still dotted with gorgeous artisanal work you helped me pick up, and I think of you each time someone says "so lovely! where did you get this?". I remember our long email exchanges on the need to decolonize knowledge collection and generation. And a memorable global change committee we were both put on because we were told we ticked multiple boxes, as women, (then) young, and non-Western. With your typical dry, wry sense of humour you said "Jeez that makes me feel good - and here I thought you picked us for our brains!" Dead silence at the other end of the line till we both burst out laughing.
Much loved - dearly missed - but still with us in spirit and memory.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Dear Esther,

I started to know you when we did research in Maluku in 2010 and knew you more when we often traveled together. You are smart and humble person. You care to your family and decided to move to Nairobi because you want to take care of your mom. You also care to the people who work with you, always asking about family every time we met, or send us greetings card on valentine, Ied Mubarak, Ramadhan. This remind me how you valued our friendship with respect to each other.

I cannot forget the things we did together, like when we stayed in the community guest house in Sawai village in Maluku, I heard you scream loudly in the middle of the night because a little mouse dropped on top of you and we were busy hunting that little mouse and cannot sleep anymore. Or when I take you to stay at Ora Beach Resort in Seram Island, you were so happy and enjoyed the beach, the food, and talked to local people. Or when we visited Rose Garden in Bern, we both mad with the manager during the lunch because she did something stupid.

Esther, I have a lot of memories with you. You talked to me about many things that you don't want to share with others because you trusted me. But I didn't know that you have been struggled fighting cancer. I can't stop crying and felt guilty with you for not knowing about your illness. I wanted to let you know how you meant so much to me. I was totally devastated to lose you. I wish I can turn back time so I can support you as you always did to me. But GOD love you more and taken your pain and your sorrow forever. Now I can only pray for you, my dear Esther. No more distance between us because you will be in my heart eternally. I hope GOD will forgive you and will give you a better place in heaven.

Rest in peace dear Esther, my adorable mentor and friend. My deepest condolence to Esther's family.

Big hugs,
Nining Liswanti
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I took too long to write this as I was still coming to terms with everything that has happened.
I remember in 2013's CIFOR annual meeting when we first met in person in Bogor, you came to see me at Santika hotel as you picked some hair products, maize flour, green grams among other goodies that I had brought you from Kenya. The smile, the warm hug, the long conversation we held that evening over dinner, it felt like we had known each other for a long time. I liked you as a person. I didn’t know you would be assigned to lead Nairobi Hub at some point, and you would become my direct supervisor. When this happened, I was amused by your humility – I procured very executive desk and chair for you and you went like “You know what Ruth, I don’t need all these. Get me a small office, a small desk and a simple but comfortable chair”.
You exposed me to field work, it felt good to support science with understanding of what happens on the ground. I remember our last field trips with you early this year in Bungoma, Kitale and Malindi. You let me make all the CIFOR presentations to the participants while you sat, listened to me and took photos. On the road to the airport in Mombasa, I told you how I had grown interest in natural resource management. You encouraged me and said “you know what Ruth; you can actually change your career path if you are interested. You would have such a unique combination to propel you to higher heights. Just imagine, with your background in finance and administration management, then you add natural resource management! Think about it carefully and let me know if you need any kind of support”
Esther, you made me shake hands with prominent people in the government, you believed in me even when I doubted myself. You exposed me, spoke highly about me, gave me challenging tasks, you were tough, but you always found a way to make me comfortable around you. You empowered me and I looked up to you, you were my role model!!
I could tell your moods in the mornings as you arrived in the office. On your happy days, I could hear you singing or whistling Eric Wainaina’s songs from a distance. As you passed my office you would go like: “MWIITU (girl), do you have a moment? Come let’s chat”. I will miss all these☹☹
I visited you at home several times, your smile was the same even in your illness, you looked strong, I even set up a working office in your house, at a corner with a nice view of trees through the window. We talked on phone severally, exchanged text messages but on your last week you decided to go quiet on me☹. My 3 calls went unanswered – they will remain to be missed calls; my text message too will remain unanswered☹. You didn’t prepare me for this, but I am happy because you told me you had received Jesus Christ as your personal saviour. I will see you in the next life when Father will call me home.
I was expecting you to resume work on 1st October. I had so much to discuss with you, so much!!
Esther, may your soul rest in eternal peace!! I will miss you!

To the family:
“And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4 (KJV)

October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019

Dr. Esther Mwangi was one of the most insightful researchers in the area of common pool resources. Brilliant scholar and role model for young African women scholars. Her dissertation on Institutional Change and Politics: The Transformation of Property Rights in Kenya's Maasailand was co-winner of the 2005 Harold D. Lasswell Prize by the American Political Science Association. She is the first African scholar to win this great award. She is clearly in the league of giants of public policy research in areas such as property rights and resource management. Esther was a great friend, kind and gentle soul. We have lost our best friend and a wonderful colleague. May Esther rest in eternal peace. Dr. Eric Otenyo

October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
 Rest in peace Dr. Esther Mwangi: I first met you at your nieces bridal shower and you struck me as a deeply thoughtful and gentle person; and a very personable Aunt to Ndunge. It never struck me that you were this distinguished academic and eminent scholar. Definitely, you have left footprints in the sands of time – footprints that all budding academics would aspire to follow, even if it means achieving half of your achievements.
We don’t mourn you; rather, we celebrate you because you’ve been a real gift and talent to the world. Do rest in the bosom of the Lord, Esther. Our heartfelt condolences to the Mwangi
Nick and Rose Simani
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
My dear sister, Esther. The thought of you gone is more than I can bear. You and I spoke about how critically important it was for our young girls (and boys) to see other African women in positions of influence.  May your light shine on in all those whose lives you touched and influenced.  Gone too soon :(
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I am shocked and saddened to learn of your passing. I first met you in Lima and we had a good conversation and good laugh over a glass of wine and great food. I still remember sharing stories about our experiences of being profiled at airports and how you had managed to deal with such incidents in your world travels. That day I learnt a lot which has made my travel easier over the years. You were really a hard worker and a strong woman and a wonderful colleague. When you moved back to Nairobi we kept saying we should meet but we never found the time and now you are gone.

Rest In Peace dear Esther. May God angels hold you in their comfort. You will be sadly missed.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
The whole community of the Programme of Ecosystems Change and Society sends our most sincere condolences to Esther’s family, friends and colleagues. We are very sad for her loss and we will miss her very much in our programme.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Esther and I attended the same primary school in the 70s, and years later re-united in Grad school (Indiana University). It was a joy having someone from home whom I could talk and laugh with regarding the cultural challenges we encountered in the US. Just as she had been in primary school, I recall her brilliant brain and sense of fun -- a well-rounded person! May the Lord comfort Esther's family during this difficult time. To Elijah and the rest of the family, Poleni sana.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Esther, You welcomed me to CIFOR family as my supervisor and gave me an opportunity to work with you on forest and water governance in the Water towers of East Africa. We faced low moments, but you encouraged me to move on. The long field visits to Mau and Mt. Elgon forest sites, going up the slopes of Cheptais, Kimothon and Saboti, and our interaction with community members and partners on restoration activities. We shared moments of joy with CFA and WRUA members as they narrated to us their conservation activities and stories on gender. I admired Your passion and commitment in enhancing participation in forest and water governance. I will always remember those brainstorming sessions we had in your office. We were just finalizing various guides, when you left, a task i have to complete in your honor. My supervisor, my mentor. We will miss you.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Dear Esther,

The first time we met was at my job interview. I was quite new to forestry, and I remember being really impressed by the level of seriousness in which issues related to gender equality were addressed at this forestry research organization. Once I joined, I understood that so much of this was thanks to your dedicated efforts in a context which wasn't always that supportive. I want to thank you for paving the road for me and for believing in me. I was always amazed by how your moral and ethical convictions shone through everything you wrote, every presentation and every conversation, how you were able to convey a message about what is right and what is wrong to anyone listening to you regardless of their background or occupation. I had so much left to learn. Rest in peace dear Esther.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Dear Esther, It saddens me that you will not get to read this and know how much I admired you. It was one meeting in Bogor that completely changed my perspective. The complex issues of gender and land rights and your mastery of the subject made me realise how much more I still need to learn, and how glad I was to know someone who I could count on for the support. I remember the blog you inspired me to write to commemorate international women’s day. I did not get a chance to work with you on a project, but through you I got to know others and we will carry on your vision.

Rest well.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I am so shocked and saddened to hear about you leaving this world Esther.

You've been an absolute pleasure to work with at CIFOR over the last five years - my only regret is not saying that enough to your face, as much as I said it to others. Your passion and determination were such a force for good. It has always blown my mind from editing your research outputs how much you were able to achieve in such limited timeframes, and it was obvious how much energy you poured into your work to make that happen. That, and your ability to lead others with such good humour, will stick with me forever. Though your legacy lives on, your passing will for sure be a great loss for forestry and gender-related studies all over the world.

Rest in peace Esther. Sending my heartfelt condolences to your close friends and family who must be especially devastated at the loss of someone so special.

With love,
Sarah Oakes
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
dear esther, sad to learn about this.. although we never had a chance to work under one project but whenever we bumped at the coffee machine corner, we always greetings each other “i’m bicycle saja..” - that’s how you try to remember the word “baik-baik saja..”. rip esther..
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Selamat jalan Esther
Rest in Peace

Your voice shall carry on...
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I was shocked to hear of Dr Esther Mwangi's death. She was my supervisor and I have nothing but gratitude for her. Thank you Esther for always believing in me and giving me countless opportunities. Thank you for always looking out for me, warning and advising me. I have learnt so much through you and experienced a lot as well. You were truly an amazing and inspiring person. The world has lost a treasure. We shall meet again in heaven
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
My sinceres condolences to Esther’s family and friends. The cgiar scientific community will greatly miss you. You were such a bright light, always willing to help, mentor and connect people. Thank you for everything Esther. Rest in peace
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
My most sincere condolences for Esther's family and colleagues.
We did not overlap at the Workshop, but the times we did cross paths, how could one forget her energy? and strong voice about the issues she cared about!
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
Esther, you have gone too soon. However, there is never a right time to exit the stage. We take comfort that you will forever be remembered by your work to humanity. So few years you lived, but so much you did. Go well my sister.
October 9, 2019
October 9, 2019
I am very saddened by the news of your passing, Esther! I recall meeting you a couple of times while you were visiting with your niece and her family in the United States. I vividly remember when during one of those meetings, we had a very thrilling debate about whether political ecology as a research framework was really distinct from political economy. The world has lost a brilliant mind! You will be sincerely missed!!
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
I am still in shock over Esther's passing. Her loss has been difficult to fathom. But I am grateful for all that she taught me as a friend and colleague. Her work on gender and tenure issues will forever be a source of inspiration for many Africans, and certainly for me personally. Esther will be terribly missed, but her legacy will endure. May her soul rest in perfect peace.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
oh no. What a great loss here.

We shall surely miss you. The work we did together with you at the Forestry Sector Support Department of the Ministry of Water and Environment, Uganda can never be forgotten. You were our hero in changing the face of gender integration into forestry management in Uganda. The capacity you built among many here will never be forgotten.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Dr. Esther Mwangi,
Daktali as I and most community members in the environment sector called her, she stood for unity among all community members in the forest and water sector.
Worked very hard to bring together Water Resource User's Association (WRUAs) and Community Forest Associations (CFAs) to work together for better managed forests that supply more clean water on a sustainable basis to the same community and the country at large.
Daktali made a big success in building community scientists who viewed and are now looking at forests as a water tank that has the capacity to support their own lives as them before others leap those vital benefits.
She supported development of many forest and sub catchment management plans and agreements to boost community morale and participation in conservation of water and forest resources in Mau and Mt. Elgon.
Her ready smile made us community members embrace some tasks we previously thought were difficult with diligence.
Daktali made the name CIFOR to be on the lips of many community members and government officials in the water and forest sector in Kenya.
We pray that God gives her family, strength to bare this great loss.
Not to forget the loss CIFOR and communities she was working with who now also feel like orphans.
Those few days since I heard these sad news a like heavy load placed on my shoulders. But Our Lord always have the final Word.
Gerald Ngatia
NACOFA
 
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
I learned so much from working with you, Esther, and am so proud of the work we did together. I miss the discussions we used to have, and the time travelling with you, whether in Ugandan forests or Bellagio hills. You connected me to so many other great people. Your work and spirit live on.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Dear Esther,

There is nothing I can say to express how sad and even devastated I am to know that you are gone so fast. It’s almost been 7 years I have known you, through ups and downs we had been able to get through until you moved to Nairobi. I once remembered the day before you moved to Nairobi, I requested to colleagues in Governance team to sing a song by Michael Bublé “Home”. Home, yes ‘home’, where you always said to me that you wanted to go home back to your beloved family to take care of your lovely mother. Now you already find your HOME, which you will get peace no more aches, a true sanctuary what we called Paradise.
I’ll be missing your smiles, stories, laughter, advice, kindness. One thing I learned from you that you always encouraged me to believe in myself, to maintain my spirit in good way and to never give up in learning new things.
I once recalled that in every occasion you always spent your time sending me the greetings card, Eid Mubarak greetings card, new year card, birthday card which really meant a lot to me. It was the way how you expressed and valued friendship. I had a dream that someday I would visit you in Nairobi to see your new house, but a saddened news I received was like burning down that dream. Esther, I could only write these words without waving goodbye because I know God has a beautiful plan for such a good person like you. But I could only keep you in my heart, the best place for me to remember you for the rest of my life.

May your soul rest in peace Esther, we always remember you, you will always stay in our hearts.

Fitri Heryani
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
I am saddened by Dr. Esther's demise, ooh! the sting of death and what kind of people it robs us!! Life is precious, short indeed and stops suddenly!! Unfortunately, I only knew Doc for now less than a year. I remember going with her for shopping in Indonesia when I had just met her for the 2nd time after my job interview at CIFOR! I also recall when I joined CIFOR and was getting settled down this year, she called me on a Saturday morning when I was about to enter my church. She advised me about somethings at work and also encouraged me as a new employee in CIFOR. I will not forget this. Surely she was like a mom, and that is what we would call her in the office. May God comfort her family, loved ones, friends & relatives.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
The first time I met you Esther, my new CIFOR supervisor, you said to me that you don't like being the boss as you don't like managing people. And I thought , oh dear, what is this going to be like, working together with you. Well, You gave me a lot of freedom but also a lot of encouragement and I'll never forget how you supported and stood up for me in critical moments.

I wish we could have done more collaboration together as you had such an amazing mind and a talent to express yourself so eloquently. It was always such a pleasure to hear you express your insights.

I know you were happy to be back in Kenya with your family. It also showed in the photos, you were smiling so beautifully, although now I think you must have also been in pain. I talked to you in April and you mentioned you had health issues. But you were also looking forward to doing new research related to governance of water and forests. You were taken from us too soon.

I miss you Esther!

October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Aunt Esther, thank you for encouraging me to be the best version of myself. Thank you for being a role model of what a woman with smarts and a big heart can achieve. Scientist and lover of great wine :) you will be remembered for your amazing qualities: your ability to articulate your thoughts and inspire others to bravely do the same. It was a gift knowing you. Rest in Power. <3 <3
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
You found us low in self esteem, you worked with us, built our capacity and raised our self esteem and we are now empowered. You encouraged us to document the knowledge we have gained. Indeed all the papers that bear our names have a lot of your input. Thanks Esther. Esther you had a passion to empower women so that they are fully involved in management of forestry resources and also benefit from them. You practically did this using the ACM and PPA approaches. That was 9 (since 2010) years back when we tested ACM on six communities; and later PPA in 4 districts in Uganda. Esther you know that by today, women hold leadership positions in their community groups, they are in position to make decisions on behalf of their communities? Do you know that the women have planted, harvested, sold and fully benefited from their eucalyptus they planted in 2012? Do you also know that the groups which were empowered have reforested once degraded areas with natural tree species? Esther, in Uganda we in AUPWAE and the communities you visited and empowered shall sadly miss you.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Esther, do you remember the day you ran into my office to hide away from the thunder storm in Bogor? 10 years ago already my dear friend. On the day I left CIFOR, you said "Can you believe Yen is leaving us, and I said we will see again Esther", I thought I would definitely see you again. The thought that I let 7 years to pass by and do not have the chance to see you again in person devastates me. I will always remember our laugh, our cry, our fear for Bogor thunder storms and earthquakes, our struggle and our celebration to set up the gender component at CIFOR, our long and over tiring field trips across continents, our sleepless nights to finalise reports and research papers, our awkward time seeing each other at the gym, our secret nights sharing a bottle of wine (and your favourite Captain Morgan at the time). You took me in and gave me hope. I have learnt so much during those 5 years working with you and being your friend. Farewell my boss, my colleague, and above of all, my dear dear friend. Rest in peace.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Sharing a last name and initials that differed only slightly, and an overlapping work history and professional orientation, I have become accustomed to being prompted by Google Scholar to update my profile with articles actually written by Esther. Her colourful career therefore helped shine undeserved light on my own. That now is all gone. We did not last long enough together at KWS for me to say much, but I know she was hard at everything she did.
A little over ten years ago, Esther directed me to the Quincy market in Boston, where I was able to meet some Kenyans at a time I was cold and lonely out there. She was busy finding her way out of IFPRI and a phone chat was the nearest we came to meeting. I have since received greetings a couple of times through common acquaintances who visited either CIFOR or the World Fish Centre, but was still hoping to meet again until the news of her demise came through. That too will now not be. RIP.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
I remember when Esther was a post-doc at IFPRI. Her smiles enlivened our hallways and her calmness added seriousness about the urgency and rigor needed in our work. I will miss her.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
You will always hold a very special place in my heart. Most of all, I will remember you for your strong sense of social justice and moral convictions. In many of our conversations about development policy, you pushed me to think more deeply about the policy impacts for the poorest of the poor—urging me to move beyond considerations of what a policy would do for the citizens overall. I will also remember you for your solidarity and team spirit. To be honest, you were not always easy to collaborate with because you had strong beliefs about how the research ought to be done, but once we agreed on collaborating on something, you were the most effective and supportive team player. I will always remember and learn from these shared moments on our journey.
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Esther! I just got the news ... and have not really accepted it. I am thinking of you at the Workshop, at conferences .... You smiling, calm, present. How you will be missed!
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Dear Esther, I had the chance to spend a week with you in Madagascar in 2016 during the evaluation of our r4d project. I believe the world has lost a great scientist. You were a true rolemodel for women in science and will be greatly missed! Rest in Peace! Julie
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Dear Esther, the field missions you sent me on always filled me with a sense of peace. Being in the forest amongst nature, interviewing communities that dedicate their time and enthusiasm to restoring and preserving East Africa’s water towers. I know that your tenacious spirit and commitment to the natural environment will live on through your friends, family, colleagues and all the communities that benefit from your work and research. It’s so sad that you are gone. There is a beautiful banyan tree in Budhani Gardens, Mombasa that provides shade to people sitting, playing and walking through the park. I painted a picture of it for you last night. With love, Patrick
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Esther, I'm quite lost for words as I feel you've left too soon. The world needed you...we, your friends needed you. We looked up to you... we were proud of you and you were our calm voice. I pray the Lord keep you at the most beautiful place because you were making His world beautiful. Fare thee well my friend.....will miss you always. 
October 8, 2019
October 8, 2019
Dear Esther,

I’ve had a good cry these past couple days since I got this sad, sad news.
I miss you.
I miss writing proposals together. Years ago when we worked on our first proposal together for ADA, it was like we were reading each other’s minds! I’ve never had such a synergistic writing experience with anyone. It was inspiring, and fun.
I miss talking over our research findings, debating the analysis, discussing the literature and framing. We tried hard to pull together comparative analysis of African and Latin American experiences, not always so successfully - but it was really fun trying, and learning so much in the process.
I miss your innovations and creative thinking. It was thanks to you that our proposals were grounded in ACM and PPA - engaged grassroots approaches; that we had such inspiring south-south exchanges; that we developed the “bureaucrats” survey.
I miss traveling with you to exciting places. You introduced me to Uganda. I introduced you to Nicaragua, you stayed at my house in Managua. I visited your new home in Nairobi and had dinner with your mum. We explored Belitung, having fun with your limited (and my total lack of) Bahasa in places where people didn’t speak a word of English. You were with me in Nairobi when the hawk stole the chicken off my plate and everyone tried to politely hold their laughter until we both cracked up!
I miss the long talks, about our challenges and hopes, our fears and frustrations. You made me laugh, and you made me cry. I hope that you are smiling now, at peace and remembering all the good. I will.
October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
It is sad to learn about this, still can’t believe that I will not hear from you anymore. The time we shared together while at CIFOR, field visits to Mt. Elgon and Mau forests will be remembered forever, Your encouraging words as I told you about the beginning of my PhD journey, the funny stories you shared about your PhD field work experience in Kajiado as you generously and humorously shared during my last day at work-I will miss that smile!
You always wanted the best for the forest adjacent communities, and you truly advocated for women involvement. Cheptais, Londiani, Itare, Sosio and Saboti CFA will dearly miss you mom as they have been asking about your next visit.
I will miss listening to your brilliant ideas.
R.I.P my mentor!
October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
Dear Esther, I am in shock from the news of your passing. I will remember your quick wit, joyful laughter, ability to see quickly to the core of a problem, and keen analyses. You spoke your mind with courage and conviction, and always stood up on the side of human rights, equity, and justice for the less privileged. You were a star on earth, and too early have become a star in the heavens, but your work will endure and continue to make a difference. Thank you for all that you offered this world; you have earned peace and rest.
October 7, 2019
October 7, 2019
This is sad to take in. It is time to remember her smile, her energy, and to celebrate her commitment to the common good and have her testimony as a guide to all of us she touched.
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Recent Tributes
November 11, 2019
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
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
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.
Recent stories

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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