Raila shortlisted for Africa Voice Achievers award for reform role

ODM Party leader Raila Odinga during the funeral service of Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso at Bomet Green stadium on August 2, 2019. [Kipsang Joseph,Standard]

Opposition leader Raila Odinga will be feted for his role in steering democratic reforms in the country and the rest of Africa.

Raila is set to receive the Icon of Democracy Award during the upcoming Africa Voice Achievers Award to be held in Nairobi on August 16.

The African Union High Representative for Infrastructure will be among several Kenyans and Africans who will be feted during the third edition of the awards targeting personalities who have had a positive impact on communities in countries or region they live in

Most recently, Raila reached a truce with President Uhuru Kenyatta that ended political tensions following the 2017 disputed presidential vote, paving the way for the Building Bridges Initiative intended to propose reforms to avert a similar crisis in future.

Another recipient of the awards to be given at Sarova Panafric Hotel will be Uganda's Opposition leader, Kizza Besigye who is set to receive the African Hero Award for his fight for a better democratic space in his home country.

Nomination criteria

“Each year people from various walks of life nominates individuals who they deem fit to be recognized for their contributions towards the advancement of Africa,” said Rev. Ambassador Elvis Iruh who runs the Netherlands-based Voice Magazine and founder of the award.

The award committee is set up by the magazine’s board to screen and verify all nominations that are received. After shortlisting, the candidates are informed to accept their nominations.

Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana is earmarked to get the Governor of the Year Award.

The governor has been nominated for using monies allocated to his administration to change the lives of rural communities in the semi-arid county.

Foreign ministry Chief Administrative Secretary Ababu Namwamba will receive the African Inspirational Leadership Award. 

Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris has been nominated for the Africa Community Figure Award, while Archbishop Arthur Kitonga and his wife, Josephine have been jointly nominated for the Africa Courageous Award.

Ken Wakia of the Nairobi Chamber Chorus  is expected to receive the African Image Maker Award.

Wakia has been leading the vibrant group to international tours, making it the first Kenyan troupe to perform on Broadway.

“I am really humbled and privileged that choral music is being recognized at this level and that people have been following what we are doing and recognising it. I thank all my mentors, teachers and singers that have accorded me the opportunity to do what I do," he said.

Another artiste

Another artiste, Kevin Mulei, is set to receive the African Entertainment Promoter Award for his works with MoSound that he founded.

MoSound is a leading event organiser with clients cutting across the continent.

Other recipients include lawyer PLO Lumumba, Lady Justice Aluoch, Raphael Obonyo, Big Ted Kwaka, Connie Aluoch, Obi Emelonye, Lydia Tet Olet, Kadogo Naus Nyawade and James Mureu.

Others are Ahadi Trust Kenya, Marc Broere, Blue Cross Kisumu, Ambassador Jospehine Ojiambo and Angel Wanjiru Ngugi.

“It has been a journey that represents what very many people in Kenya and Africa go through, I hope it will inspire others to be the best,” said Big Ted, nominated for Africa Business Support Award.

Mozambique First Lady,  Isaura Nyusi has been nominated for the African Heroine Award.

Rwanda’s First Lady Jeanette Kagame was the recipient of the African Heroine Award in 2017.