Kenyan paleoanthropologist and conservationist Richard Leakey, who unearthed evidence that helped prove humankind evolved in Africa, died on Sunday at the age of 77, Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta confirmed in a statement.
"I have this afternoon, Sunday 2nd January 2022, received with deep sorrow the sad news of the passing away of Dr. Richard Erskine Frere Leakey, Kenya's former Head of Public Service," Kenyatta's statement said.
"On behalf of the people of Kenya, my family and on my own behalf, I send heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the family, friends and associates of Dr. Richard Leakey during this difficult period of mourning."
Leakey came from a family of renowned archeologists. His mother, Mary Leakey, discovered evidence in 1978 that man walked upright much earlier than had been thought. She and her husband, Louis Leakey, unearthed skulls of ape-like early humans, shedding fresh light on our ancestors.
Richard Leakey is perhaps best known for his discovery of fossils, particularly the 1984 excavation of the bones of "Turkana Boy," a nearly complete skeleton of a young male Homo erectus dating to 1.6 million years ago.
He also became a leading force in the effort to stop the poaching of elephants and rhinos in Kenya, according to the Royal Society.
Besides his work as a scientist, he held a number of official positions in Kenya, including director of the National Museums of Kenya and chairman of the Kenya Wildlife Service.
Latest Stories
-
John Dumelo pays ¢10,400 in outstanding fees for visually impaired law student facing deferral
52 seconds -
CHRAJ clears Victor Kusi Boateng over allegations of 2 passports, Cathedral cash theft
4 mins -
We’ll restore hope by cutting down taxes and avoiding unreasonable borrowing – Ato Forson
9 mins -
14th Edition of Tech in Ghana Conference launched in Accra
9 mins -
Manifesto clash: NPP, NDC spar over water, hygiene, sanitation and climate change
16 mins -
Ellembelle MP constructs new health facility at Santaso to serve several communities
20 mins -
Kwasi Appiah wanted to axe Ayew brothers and Wakaso from Black Stars – Ernest Thompson reveals
27 mins -
AngloGold Ashanti empowers PWDs in Obuasi East to harness 10-year socio-economic development plan
30 mins -
‘Dumsor’ won’t go anytime soon, we need 2 years to stabilize- IES
36 mins -
Black Stars Management Committee does a good job – Ernest Thompson
39 mins -
GFA set to launch Girls for Goals campaign in Keta
41 mins -
Siisi Baidoo wins Male Vocalist at 2024 Praise Achievement Awards
46 mins -
Perez Musik celebrates marriage with breathtaking photos
1 hour -
I am not ready to sign any artiste to my record label – Kuami Eugene
2 hours -
Gov’t spokesperson on governance & security calls for probe into ballot paper errors
2 hours