AfricaPress-Kenya: The Health Director-General Dr Patrick Amoth (above) and KTN News reporter Dr Mercy Korir are among 68 individuals who have received National Honours during the 57th Madaraka Day celebrations for their contribution in the fight against coronavirus.
During the virtual Madaraka Day celebrations at State House in Nairobi, President Uhuru Kenyatta announced that the State would honour individuals for their exemplary contribution over the coronavirus period.
“In recognition of their distinguished and outstanding service to the Nation in helping steer our country through the Coronavirus Pandemic, I, Uhuru Kenyatta, President and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces, confer National Honours on the following persons,” read a gazette notice published on Monday, detailing the individuals.
President Uhuru evoked the spirit of patriotism calling on the Kenyans to remain focused in the fight against the pandemic. The Head of State revisited the sentiments of Kenya’s founding fathers as he called for resilience in the fight against the scourge.He stated: “We are further emboldened by the fact that, united in the struggle, we defeated a giant nation. And as we fight the coronavirus pandemic today, our victory over the colonizers should remind us that “…This too shall pass”.”
“Although slowed down by the health crisis and the economic downturn caused by Covid-19, I am further comforted by the teachings of our Founding Fathers. They instructed us to be “…our very best at our darkest moment”. They taught us not to question in the dark, the dreams we dreamt in the light,” he added.
He asked the country to unite and engage in constructive debate as the government handles coronavirus, locust invasion and the flood menace. This he said was the spirit displayed by the founders of the nation.“Yet in their darkest moments, our founding fathers did not abandon the course. Instead, they re-imagined it, re-grouped and re-engaged differently,” he stated.
“Similarly, as we reflect on the progress we have made, as we look inwards for self-introspection, we must not over-criticize ourselves. And I say so because, in the subconscious mind, we become what we repeatedly do.”Below is the list of individuals who have been nominated for National Honours. They majorly comprise journalists and medics who have been in the frontline of fighting the coronavirus. 1. Amoth Patrick (Dr.)2. Ayub Matiiri (Maj.–Gen.)3. Jane Karuku
4. James Mwangi (Dr.) 5. Simon Wall6. Wachira Waruru 7. Bimal Kantaria 8. Evanson Kamuri (Dr.)
9. Macharia Irungu (Dr.)10. Masasabi Wekesa (Dr.)11. Nduku Kilonzo (Dr)12. Wilson Aruasa (Dr.)13. Matilu Mwau (Prof.)
14. Omu Anzala (Prof.)15. Wangari Ng’ang’a (Dr.)16. Kadondi Kasera (Dr.) 17. Loice Achieng Ombajo (Dr.)18. Marybeth Maritim (Dr.)19. Sood Mohammed (Dr.)20. Mbuvi Mutua Paul (Dr.)21. Victor Njom (Dr.)22. Jeremy Gitau (Dr.) 23. Zeddy Chepchirchir Komen (Sr.)24. Margaret Ogonga (Sr.)25. Audrey Rotich 26. Nicholas Kirui (Dr.)27. Daisy Chepkemoi Korir (Dr.)28. Jackline Odawo Opondo (Sr.)29. Sylvia Kadima30. Douglas Ambenje Nasio31. Jacqueline Kiio32. Amina Guleid (Dr.)33. Thuranira Kaugiria (Dr.)34. Dennis Allela Odhiambo35. Philomena Akoth Owende-Wandayi (Dr.)36. Jemimah Muthoni Kariuki (Dr.) 37. Jan Mohammed38. Pankaj Shah39. Clinton Mwita 40. Mercy Korir (Dr.) 41. Jeff Kuria42. Asha Mwilu 43. Purity Museo44. Enoch Sikolia45. Chemutai Goin46. Nelson Aruya47. Nasibo Kabele48. Rebecca Mutua49. Priscilla Kioko50. Faith Mailu 51. Caroline Makena 52. Salome Wairimu53. Stephen Wamukota54. Amina Ramadhan55. David Ochieng56. Sister Winnie Mutuku57. Njoki Kariuki58. Phillip Ogolla59. Mary Mwangi60. Mary Muthoni61. Vincent Ateya62. Robin Njogu63. Alvin Otila64. Tabitha Rotich65. Sammy Waititu66. Consolata Ngugi67. Kingsley Kwanga68. Wilson Kimani
