Could you imagine that Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho could one day be honored by the head of state? Remember the war that had been launched against him over his academic credentials! Well, as Kenya turns 55, Ten governors, Kenya’s top public prosecutor Noordin Haji and top crime buster George Kinoti are among hundreds of recipients of presidential awards and honours.
Also in the list of the Jamhuri Day roll of honours and awards is ODM party chairman John Mbadi who joins the governors in the list of those conferred with Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) Second Class.
The awards are “in recognition of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities”, according to the gazette notice dated December 11, 2018.
The governors who have been honoured with EGH second class are Ali Joho (Mombasa), Martin Wambora (Embu), Samuel Tunai (Narok), Cornel Rasanga (Siaya), Josphat Nanok (Turkana), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Dr Alfred Mutua (Machakos), Dr Joyce Laboso (Bomet) and Anne Waiguru (Kirinyaga).
However, Kenyans are not happy with Waiguru’s honour. They are questioning the reason as to why Waiguru is being honored, following the scandals that erupted at the National Youth Service whilst she was devolution Cabinet Secretary.
Waiguru getting an Award for the work well done at NYS @Disembe @amerix @DavidNdii is this a show of the middle finger to the @ODPP_KE, @EACCKenya, @DCI_Kenya, @kenyanjudiciary and Kenyans? pic.twitter.com/Ls2lfQCLkM
— K O L A (@kolakev) December 12, 2018
Mr Haji, the Director of Public Prosecutions, and Mr Kinoti, the Director of Criminal Investigations, have been awarded Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) First Class.