Musicians Jua Cali, Wuod Fibi and E- Sir They are among the 184 Mashujaa Day awardees.
The National Heroes Council has released a list of people to be declared heroes in line with the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
Unlike last year, when politicians dominated the list, this time round, there are no politicians on the list of 184 people.
To be feted are Kenyans who might not be in the public eye, but have made significant contribution in different fields. They include Mau Mau veterans, business people, artistes as well as philanthropists.
Celebrated Kenyan author and scholar the late Ngugi wa Thiong’o.
The list also includes Kenya’s most famous writer, Prof Ngugi wa Thiong’o, who died this year, as well as pioneering publisher Henry Chakava, who published most of Prof Ngugi’s works.
“Prof Ngugi is being honoured posthumously for being Kenya's foremost author and one of Africa's most influential writers. His career spanning more than half a century elevated Kenyan literature to a global stage...,” part of his citation reads.
Philanthropist Manu Chandaria.
Among philanthropists to be honoured are Manilal Premchand Chandaria. Dr Chandaria is being honoured for his remarkable philanthropy programmes.
“Through the Chandaria Foundation, he has impacted the society in education, health, arts and culture, environment, community outreach and entrepreneurship,” the Council said.
Ben Haggai pictured on August 29, 2023, in Westlands, Nairobi.
Cyclist Ben Onyango Haggai from Kisumu is another of the 18 philanthropists who are being celebrated. Mr Onyango has been honoured for using cycling to raise awareness on issues affecting marginalised populations. The council stated that in 2024, he cycled across the 47 counties to raise funds for Baby Briella; a child in need of a life-saving liver transplant.
“His relentless effort, fuelled by compassion and resilience, led to a successful campaign that enabled Briella undergo surgery in India, restoring hope to a family and inspiring a nation,” reads the citation.
Harry Kirigha Mwailengo from Taita-Taveta County has also been honoured for using his resources to establish a secondary school that has led to the development of the first rural incubation hub for innovation, impacting over 10,000 marginalised youth.
In arts category, a total 21 people have been conferred by President William Ruto for using their artistic talent to touch the lives of Kenyans. Among them are veteran broadcaster Elizabeth Obege Awor, who has been honoured for her enduring commitment to broadcasting in Kenya.
The council stated that as a veteran broadcaster in KBC, her talent, creativity and expertise broke barriers in a highly male dominated field.
Peter Ouma Nyadawa from Wajir, has been honoured for his contribution to music, drama and dance through participating in Kenya National Drama and Film festival and Kenya Music Festival. “His artistic works, that addresses pertinent and contemporary issues have elevated performance in the North Eastern region to national and regional recognition leaving an enduring legacy of creativity, inspiration, and cultural pride,” reads the citation.
Genge musician Jua Cali performing during Blankets and Wine Event on October 1, 2023.
John Eric Ochieng Okumu, popularly known as Wuod Fibi, has been honoured for his contribution to the music industry, while Clement Sijenyi, popularly known as Clemo, has been honoured for promoting Kenyan music through Calif Records, which pioneered the Genge genre. Paul Nunda, better known as Jua Cali, has also been honoured for being a pioneering Kenyan rapper.
Mr Rapudo, who is a chief officers in the Nairobi County government is behind some of the hits by celebrated artists like Jua Cali, Nonini, Pilipili, Jimwat, and Mejja.
John Eric Ochieng Okumu, popularly known as Wuod Fibi.
Paul Julius Nunda, better known as Jua Cali, has also been honoured for being pioneering Kenyan rapper, elevating Kenya’s music industry, inspiring generations of artists, and contributing to the global recognition of Kenyan urban culture.
Byrne Omondi, 28 Gor Mahia.
A total of 32 Kenyans have been honoured under sports category, including Harambee Stars goalkeeper Byrne Omondi Odhiambo, Harambee Stars team manager and data analyst Nicodemus Kimanthi Musau, paralympic medalist in 2025 Grandprix Dubai Jairus Ongeta Okora among others.
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