Prof Wangari Maathai displays the Nobel medallion. She won the Nobel Peace prize in 2004 for “her contribution to sustainable development, democracy and peace in Kenya”. Prof Maathai founded the Green Belt Movement in 1977. Other notable winners from Africa include Kofi annan (2001) and Desmond Tutu (1984). Photo/FILE NATION MEDIA GROUP

Back to fifty years before the end of World War II, the greatest posthumous peacemaker of all time had passed on.
Alfred Bernhard Nobel, a Swedish chemist and engineer was a manufacturer of weapons with about 90 factories by time of death.
But he is mostly known for his invention of dynamite in 1866, a highly explosive chemical combination that is used in warfare, mining, quarrying and construction.
From theses activities he amassed enormous wealth. On the sideline, Alfred was also involved in peace- related issues, wrote poetry and drama, and was fluent in six languages.
In 1888, his brother died in France. A French newspaper erroneously published his (Alfred’s) obituary condemning him for the dynamite invention and accusing him of becoming rich “by finding ways to kill people faster”.
The paper also proclaimed that “the merchant of death is dead”. Deeply disturbed and disappointed Alfred sought a way to leave a better legacy.
On November 27, 1895, Alfred signed his last will and testament and set aside the bulk of his wealth in trust.
Approximately 94 per cent of his total assets would be used to establish and give an annual award without distinction of nationality, “To the person or society that renders the greatest service to the cause of international fraternity, in the suppression or reduction of standing armies or in the establishment or furtherance of peace congress.”
He set five prizes, given the name Nobel after himself. These were to honour outstanding achievers from all corners of the globe in the fields of physical sciences, chemistry, medicine and physiology, literature and peace work.
Later, the Nobel Memorial Prize in economic sciences was added to the list. Exactly one year and fourteen days after the signing, he died of cerebral haemorrhage, aged 63.
Thus the Nobel Foundation and Nobel Committee were formed. The Nobel Peace Committee in particular was aware that peace is not just an absence of war.
It recognised that human beings cannot enjoy their existence in an atmosphere of hunger, sickness, illiteracy, rights abuses, environmental degradation or inadequate shelter.
The first award was given December 10, 1901 the fifth anniversary of the founder’s death.
Since then it has been conferred to individuals and organisations from divergent sectors: renouncing war and disarmament; campaigns against nuclear weapons and banning and clearing of anti-personnel mines; non-violent struggle for human rights and democracy; civil rights and anti-apartheid movements; the rule of law, arbitration and mediation; protection of prisoners of conscience and refugees; food security and agriculture; the environment; rights of women and children; the youth; social justice and ethno-cultural reconciliation; economic and social development; and co-operation among the nations.
Every year, the Nobel committee, made up of five members, invites qualified people to submit nominations which it keeps secret for 50 years.
The peace prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway while the other four including the Nobel Memorial Prize in economic sciences are given out in Stockholm, Sweden.
Like in previous years this month, the world awaits with bated breath for the winner.
The announcement of the 231 possible peace prize nominees started on October 8, and run daily until today, October 12, when the 2012 laureate will be known followed by the actual presentation on December 10.