Kenyans come up with list of people more deserving of State commendation

Kenyans are still angry after it was revealed that Martin Kamotho, aka Githeri Man was one of the recipients of the Head of State commendation.

Other names that elicited sharp reactions from Kenyans were; blogger Robert Alai, Dennis Itumbi, Pauline Njoroge, Thomas “Big Ted” Kwaka, Ben Githae, Rufftone and many more.

Many Kenyans were angry that these individuals had been honored yet they have nothing incredible they have done for the country and by being on the list, pushed off other worthy Kenyans who deserved the commendation more.

Some of the names suggested included;

1. Philip Kalweo Nchebere

Teacher Nchebere, the KNEC supervisor at Lailuba Day Secondary School together with police officer James Ngugi Chege, were captured on photo wading through flood waters just to ensure the safe delivery of examination material to the students during the 2017 Kenya Certificate of Primary Examination (KCPE.) Officer Chege was honoured but not the man he was with.

Education CS Dr. Fred Matiang’i personally tweeted saying he had written to President Kenyatta’s Chief of Staff recommending the two for a state commendation award. Well, it looks like the pair weren’t lucky or deserving enough.

I have written to the Chief of Staff to ask that Principal Along'o and Officer Chege be considered for a Recognition Award.

Once more I congratulate and recognise these officials for being exemplary citizens of our great nation KENYA #KCPE2017

— CS Fred Matiangi (@FredMatiangi) November 10, 2017

2. Dr Fred Kabuni, Prof Nimrod Mwang’ombe and team of KNH Surgeons

Leading a team of 58 other medical personnel (including neurosurgeons and plastic surgeons) at the Kenyatta National Hospital, chief pediatric surgeon Dr. Fred Kabuni and University of Nairobi’s head of neurosurgery, Prof Nimrod Mwang’ombe successfully operated on and separated a set of twins conjoined at birth.

The surgery, which lasted 23 hours, was undertaken two years after the twins, Blessing and Favour, had been admitted to the hospital.

The two-year waiting period was so that the twins’ key organs would develop, and so that they would gain appropriate muscles to withstand the surgery.

The hospital further generously footed the Ksh.105 million bill.

3.  Joyciline Jepkosgei

Athlete Joyciline Jepkosgei smashed four world records in April as she raced to the finish line during the Prague Half Marathon.

Jepkosgei clocked splits of 30:05, 45:37 and 1:01:25 to break the 10km, 15km and 20km world records on the way.

That should be more than enough to get her on the list right?

4. Goldalyn Kakuya 

The 2017 KCPE Golden girl beat countless students across the country emerging the best overall pupil in the examination, with an impressive 455 out of 500 marks; a feat which saw her receive an invite to State House for a meeting with President Kenyatta and DP Ruto.

Appearing for television interviews, Goldalyn’s confidence and intelligence impressed many Kenyans and her future is very bright.

5. Mary Njengo Mokaya

Mary Mokaya, the teen hero who paid the ultimate sacrifice while rescuing her fellow students during the deadly fire that killed girl girls at Moi Girls School in Nairobi was left out of the list.

President Uhuru Kenyatta, in his Mashujaa Day speech paid homage to Mokaya saying “may her name and her example of selflessness, be a shining example to us all.”

Mokaya was one of four people mentioned by name; the late Prof. Wangari Maathai, the late Prof. Ali Mazrui and Joseph Charo Karisa. The others were freedom fighters, Kenya Defence Forces and Kenyan athletes.

“Daily, we see acts of heroism; let us celebrate them today. We remember Mary Mokaya, who saved fellow students from the Moi Girls’ fire, at the cost of her own life. May God rest her soul and that of her colleagues, in eternal peace,” said the head of state.

The president announced plans to establish a heroes council which will be responsible “for identifying and coming up with solutions to issues of welfare and support our heres and heroines.”

So, why was she missing from the list?

6. Patrick Kilonzo Mwalua

When Patrick noticed that the concrete watering holes around Tsavo West National Park were drying up and subjecting the animals to untold thirst, the “water delivery man” – as he came to be known – took it upon himself to hire a truck and drive 3,000 gallons of water to the animals up the hill everyday.

The animals – mostly elephants, buffalo, antelope and zebras – became familiar with Patrick and would wait for him at the watering holes everyday and even react at the sound of his truck approaching.

In an interview with an international media outlet when his story first broke out, Kilonzo is quoted to have said, “Last night, I found 500 buffaloes waiting at the water hole. When I arrived they could smell the water. They started drinking water while I was standing there. They get so excited.”

7. Umra Omar

Omar and her Safari Doctors team have specialised in providing medical care to areas where normal doctors wouldn’t go.

Honored by CNN among their Top 10 Heroes in February, Umra leads the Safari Doctors to regions considered by many as insecure or practically unreachable, where they provide basic medical services such as immunizations, maternal healthcare and treatment for various regional diseases.

All at the unbelievable cost of Kshs 0.

Before devoting her life to helping the people who need medical help most, Umra had a posh job in Washington D.C, and holds two degrees from two prestigious universities in United States.