Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, on Tuesday, received a nomination to an award he wasn’t aware of.
In a statement seen by this reporter, Sonko was notified on Monday that his name had been forwarded for the World Humanitarian Award, 2019.
The World Peace and Diplomacy Organisation which is the group behind the award, stated that Governor Sonko was among other global leaders proposed for the prize.
“Greetings from World Peace and Diplomacy Organization. You would be pleased to know that your name has been recommended and nominated by the Board of Trustees & the Governing Council of World Peace & Diplomacy Organization for its very prestigious and coveted “World Humanitarian Awards 2019″ on account of your remarkable approach & illustrious vision for the humanitarian services that you initiated, especially the Sonko Rescue Team and many such other initiatives for the social welfare and global peace,” read a part of the statement from the organisation.
According to the group, the award acknowledged world leaders and individuals who have an incredible record in humanitarian services, have worked diligently in their respective fields of expertise and are known for their humanitarian contributions in the society, with a series of lifetime achievements and substantially rich experience as an adept social activist.
The Nairobi County boss, on learning of the gesture, stated that he would continue with his efforts to improve the lives of people across the country.
“This is a major step in our efforts to help the needy and the less fortunate in the society. It gives us the impetus to keep moving and doing good to people in the society,” remarked Sonko.
The organisation pointed out the governor’s Sonko Rescue Team as one of the most recognised humanitarian outfits.
Other activities that made the controversial politician stand out included the distribution of food to thousands of starving Turkana residents following the prolonged drought in the region earlier this year.
The governor is also attributed to the role of helping legendary boxer Conjestina Achieng by taking her to a rehabilitation home in Diani, Kwale County.
Conjestina was struggling in life and had lost her memory after ending her successful boxing career.
Sonko also adopted a baby who was a victim of a terrorist attack in Likoni, Mombasa.
The baby had a bullet in his head and the governor oversaw its successful removal through funding a delicate surgery.
Sonko is now educating him and gave the baby’s biological father a job.