Wiper has mobilised its members and supporters to welcome party leader Kalonzo Musyoka as he jets back with an international award for humanitarian work done through the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation.
The Coalition for Reforms and Democracy (CORD) co-principal was named the African Dignitary Man of the Year 2016 by humanitarian organisation, We Care for Humanity.
He is expected to arrive from the US at 8pm this evening and Wiper officials said the party’s leaders and supporters will at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to welcome him.
During the ceremony at United Nation’s headquarters in New York, Kalonzo was recognised for his efforts to bring peace in Sudan during his tenure as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, during which he initiated the process that would culminate in the birth of the continent’s youngest nation, South Sudan.
Also mentioned were the foundation’s efforts to provide education to 2,000 needy and vulnerable children in Kenya. Kalonzo has also built the Mama Malia Academy for orphaned children and the most vulnerable from destitute families. The academy now houses 300 children from all over Kenya.
He was also recognised for his efforts to integrate Kenyans and provide food and support for those who were internally displaced during the violence that was triggered by the 2007 elections.
“On the basis of your unequivocal contribution to humanity, by demonstrating selflessness, caring for the less privileged, and your spirit of unity and integrity, I have the pleasure to announce that the GOD (Global Officials of Dignity) Awards Committee has reached a unanimous decision to recognise Your Excellency as the African Dignitary Man of the Year,” the nomination letter reads.
“It is our strong belief that your accomplishments should be shared with and showcased before the global audience at the United Nations.”
Previous winners of the award include former presidents Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia, Muhammad Ershad of Bangladesh and Khil Raj Regmi, a former Prime Minister of Nepal.
During the 2007/08 violent episode, Kenya experienced its worst atrocities in history, as a disputed presidential election result led to the killing of over 1,200 people. Hundreds of thousands were displaced from their homes.
The award scheme recognises eminent personalities who have contributed to resolving global issues that revolve around human rights, world peace, green environment, education, health and eradication of poverty.
The Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation evolved from a bursary fund in 1988 that catered for the needs of bright children from poor backgrounds. The bursary fund later grew into a fully-fledged foundation in 2005.
“The Foundation is geared towards ensuring that as many Kenyans as possible are uplifted from poverty through education. So far, thousands of students have benefited from it,” reads its mission statement.
