Wars, Guns & Votes

An intimate and powerful memoir by an internationally acclaimed environmental lawyer “We are often shy to tell our stories. I write this in the hope that it will inspire others to share their stories to inspire and to encourage future generations” – Donald W. Kaniaru From colonialism early beginnings to the struggle for decolonization and beyond, Call to Serve tells a poignant story of personal and political struggle, survival and, ultimately, triumph. Donald Kaniaru was born during the Second World War. Losing his father at an early age, Donald wa raised by his Mother during the height of the Emergency. His battle to obtain an education led him from the foothills of Mount Kenya to Alliance High School, where he graduated in the African A-Level class of 1965.As part of a generation of pioneering statesmen, scholars, lawyers, educationists and others in the heroic struggle to build an independent nation, Donald joined Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1969 after studying law at the University of Dar es Salaam. His career within the diplomatic corps flourished during a time of tremendous change in the global order. Donald was instrumental in shaping events that led to the establishment of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in Nairobi, the first UN agency to be headquartered in the Global South. His riveting story highlights many seminal events in the global environmental arena, where Donald was a key protagonist. Donald’s remarkable journey spans over three decades of dedicated service to international environmental law and diplomacy. His lifelong passion for education spans more than six decades of institutional impact at Alliance High School and Alliance Girl’s High School, as a student, parent, and leader. Offering A ring-side perspective to epic moments in the history of Africa’s struggle for independence and Kenya’s emergence as a player on the global diplomatic stage, Donald Kaniaru’s journey as a lawyer, diplomat, nation-builder and educationist is a story of triumph against overwhelming odds and selfless service to country and to humanity.