A Kenyan Environmentalist Joanna Stuchburry was shot dead on Thursday afternoon.
She was in her car.
According to eyewitnesses, nothing was stolen from her.
Social media was awash with reports that she was fighting to save the Kiambu forest and stop illegal developments.
“Her neighbors just went over this evening to get some stuff from her and heard her car running. They walked up to it and found the unfortunate sight of her body that had gunshot wounds,” Jackie Arkle wrote on Facebook.
“I am shaken beyond words! What has this Country come to? We aren’t safe anymore Joannah was shot 4 times” Arkle mourned
Arkle wrote that Stutchbury was well known for her attempts to protect Kiambu forest from illegal developers.
She had several cases she took to court and had been granted several stop orders against illegal developers
A statement from State House on Friday Morning said President Uhuru Kenyatta has condemned the killing of Joanna Stuchburry.
Uhuru ordered security agencies to track down the perpetrators of the heinous act.
State House said Ms Stuchburry, renown for her relentless efforts to conserve Kiambu forest, was shot dead by unknown people on Thursday afternoon at her home.
In his message of condolence to the family, relatives and friends, President Kenyatta said his administration greatly appreciates the contribution of Ms Stuchburry in conserving the environment.
“It is very sad, unfortunate and regrettable that bad people have senselessly taken away the life of Joanna Stuchburry in such a senseless manner,”
“For the longest time, Joanna has been a steadfast champion for the conservation of our environment and is remembered for her relentless efforts to protect Kiambu forest from encroachment,” the President mourned.
The Head of State promised Government action to track down and apprehend killers of Ms Stuchburry terming them cowardly enemies of the Kenyan nation.
“My Government will pursue and apprehend the criminals behind the killing of Joanna. We will not allow few misguided individuals to continue shedding blood of innocent people working hard to make Kenya a better place for all of us. Those are cowardly enemies of our country,” President Kenyatta said.
The President prayed to God to give the family of Ms Joanna Stuchburry strength and fortitude to bear the tragic loss of their loved one.