HU Extends Proffer to Loan Kigango Statue to Kenya

Hampton, VA -Hampton University has offered to loan on an indefinite basis the Giriama memorial statue (kigango statue) to the Mwakiru family of Kenya, Africa. This offer was spelled out in a letter from vice president and general counsel Faye Hardy-Lucas to Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia, director of regional museums sites and monuments, National Museums of Kenya. While the item was legally acquired and continues to remain the property of Hampton University, the University hopes that this decision will comfort the Mwakiru family.

"While it remains the position of Hampton University that the kigango statue, which was allegedly stolen from the Mwakiru family in 1985, was legally acquired by Hampton University and therefore remains the property of Hampton University, the University proffers to loan the statue to the Mwakiru family for an indefinite period of time," said Hardy-Lucas.

She continued, "This will serve to protect the University's position that the statue was acquired legally, while at the same time hopefully bring relief to the Mwakiru family."

If at any time concrete evidence is presented to the University to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the kigango statue was illegally acquired, Hampton University has agreed to fully relinquish its rights to the property.

Hampton University received the kigango statue as a gift from International Business Management, Inc. of Culver City, Calif., who purchased the statue from Ernie Wolfe, III, of Ernie Wolfe Galleries in Los Angeles, Calif.

Hampton University, a dynamic, progressive institution of higher education, is a privately-endowed, non-profit, non-sectarian, co-education, historically black university. It is located in southeastern Virginia and boasts one of the loveliest campuses in the nation, with a picturesque waterfront and historic buildings and landmarks. Comprised of seven schools, a Graduate College and a College of Continuing Education, Hampton University is among the leaders in higher education.