A memorial service was held earlier on today for the late Wangari Maathai. The 2004 Nobel Peace Prize winner passed away while undergoing treatment for cancer at a Nairobi hospital. The memorial service was held at Nairobi’s Holy Family Basilica. Among those in attendance was the South African Archbishop Desmond Tutu. “She was strong, feisty,” he said.

By Michael Kaloki, Nairobi

“We have come to pay tribute to a great Kenyan,” said Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga. “We have lost a champion of human rights. A woman of character.” And Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki said that “she left behind a remarkable legacy that will continue to be an inspiration to us and generations to come.”