On Sunday 2nd January, we lost a true warrior, an individual so large in presence that he left a void that can never be filled. He has been described as iconic, and a force of nature, but to us he was Richard, Dad, and Babu.
As a family, we are enormously grateful for the outpouring of warmth and support that we have received from so many friends here in Kenya and across the world. It brings us great comfort to know how much his life meant to so many.
As we struggle to come to terms with our loss, we are respectfully asking for a few moments of privacy so that we can mourn as a family before we celebrate his extraordinary life as a son of Kenya. We are also conscious of the Covid19 protocol rules that have been advised by our national health authorities and so at this time, given the vulnerability of Richard’s widow Meave, we will not be allowing any visits to the home. The family also requests no flowers.
Arrangements have been made to have a condolence book at the offices of the National Museum and the KWS, where anyone wishing to express their condolences can visit. Tributes commemorating Richard can also be left online, using the following link to the ForeverMissed memorial site – https://www.forevermissed.com/richard-leakey/tributes
In keeping with Richard’s wishes, we, on the afternoon of 3rd January, interred his body at a place of his choosing, on his favorite ridge overlooking the majestic Rift Valley that he so loved.
We will share our plans for celebration of his life in the coming days.
Samira Leakey
On behalf of the Leakey Family
Dr Richard Erskine Frere Leakey