President William Ruto on Thursday honoured hundreds of Kenyans with various presidential awards during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The awards were in recognition of distinguished and outstanding service rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was among the leaders who were bestowed the Second Class Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart Award (OGH).
Others were Chief of Defence Forces Gen Charles Kahariri, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime , Lelelit Jonathan, Trade CS Salim Mvurya and Nuh Junet Sheikh.
The President further awarded the Director of Public Prosecutions, Renson Ingonga, with First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear.
DPP Ingonga was on July 2024 unanimously elected as the President of the Africa Prosecutors' Association (APA) during the Association's 17th Annual Conference and General Meeting.
Ruto also awarded 73 other eminent Kenyans with First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear.
They include Konza Technopolis CEO Kipchumba Tanui, Public Works PS Joel Psimatwa, Environment & Climate Change PS Festus Ng'eno, Shipping and Maritime Affairs PS Geoffrey Kaituko, Higher Education PS Inyangala Beatrice, Treasury PS Julius Bitok, Deputy Inspector General of Kenya Police Eliud Lagat, his APS counterpart Gilbert Masengeli, Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Kiambu Senator Karunga Thang’wa among many others.
Others are registrar of Judiciary Winfridah Mokaya, MPs Raphael Wanjala, Kangogo Bowen, Vincent Musyoka, Kimani Kuria and Lydia Haika Mizighi.
Also feted was Senior Principal Prosecution Counsel, Victor
Alenga.
Those awarded Third Class Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart include former Police IG David Kimaiyo, Lt Gen Mwinyikai Juma, Maj Gen Ahmed Fatuma, Maj Gen Otieno Owuor, Maj Gen Ng'ang'a Thomas and Police IG Douglas Kanja.
Ruto also awarded the Second Class Order of the Burning Spear to 65 Kenyans, the Third Class Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear to 113 Kenyans and 142 Kenyans received the Order of the Grand Warrior.
The President further awarded Silver Star (S.S) of Kenya to 19 people, Head of State’s Commendation (HCS- Military Division) to 141 Kenyans, Head of State’s Commendation (HCS-Civilian Division) to 67 Kenyans.
Orders, decorations and medals of Kenya are awarded by the head of state in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
The awards are made by the President upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee in the President's office.
Individuals are nominated for awards by district committees, government ministries, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, individuals and others.
The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (OGH) is the highest honour awarded by the Kenyan government.