President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over the 54th Jamhuri Day celebrations held at the Moi Sports Stadium Kasarani, Nairobi on the 12th of December.

In an event that recorded possibly the lowest turnout in years, the president gave Head of State Commendations to certain individuals who somehow earned it over the past one year.

Though it is commendable for the president to grant these awards, questions were raised over the procedure for granting these awards.

Martin Kamotho, also known as ‘Githeri Man’ by many was among those to be awarded, sparking wild debates on social media on whether he really deserved it.

The Head of State Commendation (HSC) is an award given to a Kenyan who in one way or another, has done something for the country.

Blogger and Cyber Activist Robert Alai who claims to be a voice for the voiceless is also among those who received the award.

Other awards included the Golden Heart Award which will be awarded to National Assembly Speaker Ken Lusaka, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen among five others.

Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson (SRC) Sarah Serem, Education PS Professor George Magoha, Former IEBC Chair Isaack Hassan and former NHIF CEO Simiyu Kirgotty are among those who received the Award of the Burning Spear.

Order of the Grand Warrior, Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Conduct Order, Uhodari Medal and Silver Star of Kenya are the other awards.

According to National Honours Act of 2014, a person shall merit the conferment of a national honour if:

  • The person exhibited or exhibits exemplary qualities, actions or achievements of Heroism, sacrifice, bravery, patriotism or leadership for the defence, benefit or betterment of the country or a county.
  • The person who has made an exemplary contribution to the country or a county in the economic, social, scientific, academic, public administration, governance, sports, journalism, business, security or other fields.
  • A state officer or public officer who has made an exemplary contribution to the betterment of the national or county governments, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature, an independent commission or an independent office.
  • A person who has otherwise brought honor, glory or pride to the republic.

By this, you can clearly see why the likes of ‘Githeri Man’ were given the award.

Here is the full list of the individuals bestowed with commendations.

 

The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya

(a) The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.)

Hon. Lusaka Makelo Kenneth

Hon. Murkomen Onisimus Kipchumba

Muthoka Peter Wambua

Munga Peter Kahara

Dr. Simba John Peter Nyangeri

Ibui Titus Kirea

Pamidimukkala Venkata Sambasiva Rao.

 

The Uhodari Medal (UM)

Major Ndeke Fredrick Afande (Posthumous)


The Order of the Burning Spear

(a) The First Class: Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.)

Maj. Gen Mulata Adan Kanchoro

Dr. Nzomo Lydia N.

Hon Wario Ali

Oigara Joshua

Dr. Macharia Nancy Njeri

Kagia Ruth Wanjiku

Maj. Gen Chepkuto Thomas Kipkosgei

Njiraini John Karimi

SAIG Mwangi Zachary Kingori

Nkoroi Juster Nkirote

Dr. Muriuki Gideon Maina

Hassan Ahmed Isaac

Serem Sarah Jepkemboi

Prof. George A.O Magoha

Epsom Mary

Wood Ailsa

Dr Kalua Isaac Peter

Omutia Patrick Otulia

Awori Florence

Gitau Nancy Ruguru

 

(b) The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.)

Brig. Walwa George Odhiambo

Brig. Ong’oyi Martin Kizito

Brig. Kendagor Albert Kiprop

Brig. Farah Said Mohamed

Brig. Waweru John Migui

Brig. Muchendu Isaac Njoroge

Brig. Kiugu Aphaxard Muthuri

Brig. Loonena Vincent

Brig. Ahmed Fatuma Gaiti

Brig. Kahariri Charles Muriu

Brig. Kamuri Dennis Nyaga

Brig. (Rtd) Kirugi Samuel Ndururi

Major (Rtd)Mativo Boniface Mutuku

SAIG Ashimalla Henry Joseph

AIG Gabow Noor

Dr. Wanga Christopher Humphrey

Mbiuki Jasper Micheni

Ogallo Wycliffe Odiwuor

Thuku Peter Kinuthia

Kirgotty Simeon Ole

Mbugua Peter Kariuki

Kagika Michael Alfred

Hon Sinyo Josephine Odira

Hon. Ndetei Agnes Mutindi

Hon. Teiyaa Janet Marania

Bedi Jeswinder Singh

Wakogi Elizabeth Wanjiku

Ogutu Daniel Omondi

Owuor Anne Elizabeth

Mugo Jacqueline Patience Arwa

Namasake Jason Nambalu

Kiuluku Sellestina Anna Mbii

Kiprono William Kibet

Mwangi Samuel Thuita.

 

(c) The Third Class: Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.)

Brig. Elmi Rashid Abdi

Col. Githinji Peter Nyamu

Col. (Dr) Muinde Justino Mutisya

Col. (Dr) Ndegwa Japheth Mwenda

Col. Njema Paul Kahuria

Col. Kittony Josphat Kibet

Col. Kamanda Patrick Ngui

Col. Otieno Paul Owuor

Col. Makau Jonathan Nzuki

Col. Ketter David Kipkemboi

Col. Gituma Lawrence

Col. Musyimi Fredrick Ivonya

Col. Githaga James Nderitu

AIG Wahongo Owino Charles

AIG Ondiek Owira Henry

AIG Kiget Joseph Kipsang

AIG Kapchanga Kitoo Simatwa

CP Mutugi Musyoki Meshack

CP Kuraru Rosemary Sipatan

SSP Ranka Kinyaga Peter

Prof Biamah Elijah K.

Muktar Abdi Ali

Nkanatha Joshua Muriungi

Sigey Nixon Kipkemoi

Ototo George

Dr. Cherutich Peter Kipkoech

Dr. Aruasa Wilson Kipkirui

Machayo Alfred Imbahale

Amb. Bitok Julius Kibet

Asugah Ann Muthoni

Mwilu Boniface Nduva

Gichohi Dick Kagwe

Gioche Winnie Mukami

Muthaura Paul Murithi

Nkumbuku Luke Mungiria

Mwangi Dann Ezekiel

Nariangai Rita Kavashe

Col. (Rtd.) Assava Jimmy Ingavo

Jabane Abdirashid Mohamed

Okeyo Erick Ouma

Arithi Javanson Kithinji

Dr. Suleiman Mohamed Salim Seif

Dr. Kioko Jackson Kimeu

Nderitu Ann Njeri

Dr. Julius Jwan

Mercy Karogo

Gitau Anne Rwamba

Kinyua Serah Njeri

Muhoro James Maina

Kassait Immaculate Muringo

 

The Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)

Sgt. Mugambi Daniel Murithi

Sgt. Ntogaiti Doris

WOI Abuo Jacton Okombo

 

The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (O.G.W.)

Lt. Col. Kathingo Patrick Titus

Lt. Col. Gitonga Alfred Mwihuri

Major Chege Simon Kabogo

Major Kimani Joseph Mithamo

Major Kwambai Joan Jebet

Major Leshan Pius

Lt. Ngumbi Stephen Sila

Lt. Col. Burje Abdulkadir Mohammed

WO I Haji Omar Bwana

WO I Kiptum Francis Kirwa

AIG Ndungu Peter

AIG Akoru James Ajore

AIG Rono Philip

AIG Mbinda Grace Anyona

AIG Kanyeki Gitahi

SSP Mwau Charles Kyale

SSP Mwangi Simon Wanderi

SP Maiyo Noah Kirwa

SP Sambu David Wafula

SP Mwachi Pius Masai

CP Kamau John

Sgt. Simboi Jackson

Sgt. Mategwa David Sohelo

Ondego Enock

Mungai Mary N.

Methu Margaret Wanjiru Wanja

Sambu John Kipkurui

Adur Thomas Mboya

Lengees Teresia Misti

Keranga Bahati Mwita

Dr. Asembo Kenedy

Wachaga James Mburu

Kotut Rebecca Chepkorir

Dr. Wambugu Rosellyne Nyawira

Dr. Kereger Eliud Kiplimo

M’imwonyo Jason M’Kirea

Kabita Sacinta Mwariama

Ragwa Eustace Micheni

Ndolo Shem

Mbaka Cecilia

Gitonga Margaret Wanjiru

Wekesa Gladys

Indimulli Kahi Alfred

Gikonyo Patrick Kuria

Dr. Kyuma Richard Kavila

Nyamasyo Jeremiah Ndola

Kibogy Margaret Jemutai Rugut

Rosemary C. Saina

Okiyo Martin Osang’iri

Dr. John O. Onsati

Dr. Kibarabara Gerry Ngugi

Karago Joseph.

 

The Silver Star (S.S.) of Kenya

Lt. Col. Koech Joel Kiplagat

Lt. Co.l Lekolool Timothy Stelu

Major Nzola Samuel Ochola

Major Ndungu Geoffrey Nderitu

Lt. Kariuki Bernard Nderitu

Sgt. Ali Mohamed Juma

Cpl. Owondo Peter Otieno

Pte Kechui Benjamin Cheruiyot

Pte Naibei Eliud Kiplangat

PC Ambwere Maurice

Pte Ewoi Gregory Ekuwon (Posthumous)

Sgt. Lekuso Stopa (Posthumous)

Cpl. Owiye Kennedy Omondi (Posthumous)

 

The Head of States Commendation (HSC) Military Division

Lt. Col. Aloka Apollo Ogola

L/Cpl. Wambugu Jeremiah

Pte Renger Frankline

Pte Kyaka Joseph

Pte Malowa Johnson

WO I Kamau David Ndwiga

WO I Muvumba Samuel Rajab

Cpl. Muchiri Dominic

Cpl. Ambingo Elly

AIG Karege Charles

SSGT Morara Jones

Sgt. Maruh Elijah Kiprotich

Sgt. Kipkoech David

Sgt. Woshe Samuel Riwe

CP Mutugi Musyoki Meshack

CP Nyamamba Prosper

CP Kirui Jonah Kiplimo

CP Kamau Godhard M.

CP Ng’ang’a Joseph Gathogo

CI Ali Hadi Fatuma

IP Chesoi Elizabeth

IP Lenaruti James

IP Kemboi Abraham

Cpl Kesio Willy

Cpl Chepsongol Philip Cherop

SP Shamala Aggrey M’mbote

ASP Gitau Mwangi Gillion

Sgt. Ali Mohamed Juma

Cpl. Ogot Kennedy Ogallo

Cpl. Dagane Bahir Sirat

Cpl. Salaton Duncan Taiko

Cpl. Abdi Abdisalam Mohamed

Cpl. Mungai Moses

Cpl. yego Michael

PC Koech Robinson

PC Mwachala Samuel

PC Muthama Anthony

APC Chege James ngugi

PC Mochama Clinton

PC Ndiria Amos Maina

Mohamed Ibrahim Sheikh (Posthumus)

 

The Head of States Commendation (HSC) Civilian Division

Jeremiah Andrew Chalwa

Moraa Angela Melissa

Ngondu Joseph Njiraini

Mehmood Shahid

Karianjahi Gilbert Kabage

Manzoor Farah Mohamed

Masha Daniel Safari Gona

Kamau phylis Wangeci

Okinda John Odhiambo

Muandale Margaret Sayo Kegode

Anyango Meresa Okebe

Munyakane John Victor

Thairu Kamau Paul

Oterah Faith Agoni

Hussein Adan Ibrahim

Sister Amolo Anastacia F

Waguta Erastus Kangethe

Sawe Elizabeth Siokwei

Kipsoi Abigael Jepkorir

Nderitu Kago

Koske Esther C.

Mwaringa Shadrack Harrison

Ouma Joshua Harry Okoth

Kipkemoi Henry Hosea

Abdallah Salim Salim

Ashiono Maurice Inyama

Owiti Winnie Julie Awino

Nuria Golo Halake

Abdi Ibrahim Maalim

Isolio Mabel Imali

Kanga Erustus Mutembei

Chemaswet Peter

Apostle Kimani William John

Mwangi Josh Kahiga

Kanyanjui Samson

Hellen Nkaissery

Njoroge Njogu

Wanjiru Carol

Ndung’u Lucy

Gichuru Wambui

Evangelist Ngunjiri Lucy

Evangelist Wairimu Teresia

Mureithi James

Buku Munyori

Njoroge Pauline

Itumbi Dennis

Onyango Robert Alai

Kamotho Martin

Macharia John Gichuhi

Mwangi Daniel Githinji

Maribe Jackie

Githae Ben

Mwita Roy Smith

Hashi Abdulkadir

Kamau Samuel

Arocho Billy

King’ori Ruth Wanjiku

Fatuma Zarika.