The fighter is back. The Italian conservationist and writer Kuki Gallmann, born Maria Boccazzi, after nine months of rehabilitation in her hometown, Treviso, following two attempts on her life, one of which, last May, had also brought her to a coma in hospital in Nairobi, has returned to Kenya, in her Mukutan Conservancy in Laikipia.
It was her daughter Sveva, on her mother's official social profile, who gave the good news to friends and supporters, announcing that "Mama One", who will turn 79 this year, is back in shape.
“Once again, Kuki has proven herself to be an absolute force of nature, and against all odds has emerged from an incredibly vulnerable period back to health with her usual wit and wisdom – Sveva Gallmann wrote - I have a strong belief that her selfless dedication to nurturing and protecting the biodiversity of her beloved Ol Ari Nyiro, her simple lifestyle and diet and the love and prayers of so many have all contributed to giving her this indomitable life force.
I am so happy to let you know that after a period of time at a rehabilitation centre in Italy, Kuki is finally back home in Kenya, and delighted to be with her grand-daughters and loved ones and the birds in her garden. Her smiles light up our lives and she keeps us all on our toes. She is so looking forward to returning to the conservancy and planning a food drive for families affected by this major drought”.
The writer, though in the peace of her vast wilderness oasis, will not find an easy situation. Constant bandit raids on the reserves, invasions by herders, poaching and other challenges between climate and ethnic feuds have brought the population to its knees and at risk the people who spend so much effort to preserve the regions of Laikipia and surrounding areas.
"As many of you know, Laikipia West and our Baringo neighbors have experienced a tragic resurgence of banditry and violence over the past year, but we, along with our many partners and the help of the national and county government, are moving forward with great hope for peace, unity and joy on the horizon," Kuki Gallmann's daughter confirmed in another post, announcing that she will soon be sending her own thoughts via the virtual means at her disposal.