Eulogy for Kenyan Sustainability Scientist: Professor Ezekiel Okemwa, who won Nobel Peace Prize 2007 with Al Gore

Professor Ezekiel, in your unique way, you always had the last word, and believe me, knowing how stubborn I can be, you were indeed one in a million. The focus and determination you poured into your sustainability research, especially in Marine Science, were nothing short of Nobel winning! This, I realized, after seeing how many other professors and Nobel laureates tried, and failed, to influence me as swiftly as you did by insisting that I write to you the last 8 months when I was determined to never ever deal with another Professor, ever again because of the toxic shock I experienced in Institutional Academia. You got me talking again, as only a true Rebel could!

Your dedication; wild horses couldn’t drag you from your focus, was an inspiration in the field of sustainability. It is your Nobel-caliber intellect that set you apart, making your research not just exemplary, but immortal.

The world, and certainly I, appreciate the magnitude of your influence, which was as much about your indomitable spirit as it was about the sheer brilliance of your work.

You guided my research with such precision and care, leaving notes that were not just insights but treasures of wisdom. Your approach – stubborn, relentless, and never-say-die – reshaped both our understanding of environmental stewardship and sustainability.

Professor Ezekiel, through your example, you kept me on the path of sustainability at times when life was pulling me in different directions. Like Sir John, who initially opened the path for me, you, through your Nobel-caliber work and life’s example, ensured I stayed true to the course; even when toxic systems were determined to try to “kill” both our research; you were immutable in your Absolute Nobel Focus!

Rest in power (RIP), knowing that your academic DNA, of Nobel quality, will continue to inspire and guide future generations. Every student you reached out to, touched, and taught carries a part of your legacy, ensuring that your groundbreaking work and principles will live on and continue to shape the field of sustainability research!

Thank you for steering all of us towards what is right, transcendent, and vitally important in life. Thank you fir taking the time to listen to my ideas. Thank you for the confidence you placed in me; in all of us! Your spirit, Professor Ezekiel, will always reside in our hearts, a guiding light leading us towards a sustainable future. Your legacy, that of a Nobel Peace laureate, has indeed achieved immortality.

Yours in Climate Justice

Cecilia W.Yu