Mukurwe-ini:Peter Wamui, a 73-year-old resident of Nyeri County, has dedicated the past 36 years to environmental conservation through tree planting activities. His efforts are particularly highlighted during national holidays and World Environment Day on June 5. Wamui plants trees to honor national and international leaders and heroes, including President Dr. William Ruto, and former Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta, Mwai Kibaki, and Daniel Moi.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wamui has also planted trees in remembrance of figures like former Premier Raila Odinga, Prof. Wangari Maathai, and Sister Irene Stefani. His commendable actions extend to honoring sports icons like marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge and influential leaders such as former Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph and Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe.
Wamui has involved thousands of students and local villagers in his tree planting initiatives across schools, factories, churches, and roadways, instilling a culture of environmental stewardship among the youth. During an interview at his Mbari ya Ngura village farm, Wamui urged Kenyans to plant indigenous and fruit trees, citing their health, nutritional, financial, and environmental benefits.
One notable tree conserved by Wamui is a 78-year-old Cordia Abyssinica planted by Kenya’s founding father, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, in 1948. Wamui’s passion led him to join the Green Belt Movement, founded by Nobel Laureate Prof. Wangari Maathai, and establish a tree nursery with local support.
Wamui expressed appreciation for President Ruto‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¾¢s commitment to increasing Kenya‚¬Å¡¬€¦¡¬‚¬Å¡¬€¦¾¢s forest cover by 10 billion trees by 2032. However, he lamented the lack of recognition for his nearly four decades of voluntary service and called on the government to support his efforts to galvanize more tree planting among residents.
