Gatsby Foundation has announced their Africa programmes director, Luke Potter, was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi.

Gatsby Foundation is one of the largest of the UK’s Sainsbury’s Charitable Trusts, chaired by Lord Sainsbury and Gatsby Africa is their operating arm in the region.

The statement released on their website said:

‘We are deeply shocked and saddened to confirm that Luke Potter, our Africa Programmes Director, was killed in the recent security incident in Nairobi.’

‘Luke had devoted the past ten years of his career to helping some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world. He had worked with us for three and a half years, carrying out assignments across East Africa.’

‘Luke was instrumental in establishing our forestry programme and team in Kenya, and provided crucial leadership, guidance and support to our Tanzanian forestry programme and our tea programmes in Rwanda and Tanzania.’

‘Luke was respected by all he worked with, bringing huge drive, determination, a relentless work ethic, and a thirst for new ideas to every project. He brought a calm head and his unique sense of humour to every situation. He was deeply committed to his work, to his teams, to Gatsby and to development in Africa. He was our colleague and our friend.’

‘We share the grief of his family, partner, daughter and friends.  Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with them.  We are now focused on offering all the support we can to them and to our staff.’

‘We ask that you please respect the privacy of his loved ones and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.’