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.
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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.