July 16, 2021, Nairobi

PRESS RELEASE – Statement on Joannah Stutchbury’s Murder

We are saddened by the death of Joannah Stutchbury, an environmentalist shot dead on Thursday 15 July 2020 night outside her home near Windsor Country Club. The motive of the killing according to press reports appear to have been a planned elimination because of her role in the protection of Kiambu Forest.

The forest has been invaded by land grabbers for housing developments and Joannah will be remembered for her relentless efforts in protecting Kiambu Forest from the grabbers. She reported an incident where a developer threatened her earlier this year and NO action was taken against the developer. We condemn this heinous act and are pained that it costed her life.

We applaud President Uhuru Kenyatta for condemning this heinous act and urge the Director of Criminal Investigation and other arms of government to ensure the perpetrators of this evil act are brought to book.

Joannah’s death is similar to Dr Esmond Bradley Martin, a conservationist investigating the elephant ivory and rhino horn trades as critical in efforts to protect the threatened species. Dr Esmond Martin was found stabbed to death in his Nairobi home in Karen. To date, the case remains unresolved.

Environmental/conservationist activism is not criminal and is encouraged by the Constitution of Kenya. Therefore, environmental activists need protection like all other Kenyans as stipulated in the Constitution. Kenyans fighting to protect the few remaining green spaces and ensure we have access and live in a clean and healthy environment are being threatened and intimidated. This should STOP.

The Conservation Alliance of Kenya is an umbrella body for organizations conserving the environment, wildlife and natural resources.

For further information, please contact Shillah Raymond, Communications officer on 0732497646.