President William Ruto on Friday conferred national honours on dozens of leaders and professionals during the 62nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
In a Special Gazette Notice dated December 11, 2025, the President recognised individuals for what he termed “distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.”
Under the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, ICT Cabinet Secretary William Kabogo and his Lands and Environment counterparts Lee Kinyanjui and Dr Barasa Deborah Mlongo, respectively, were among seven recipients awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), which is the second-highest award after that of the Head of State CGH.
Others in the category include former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sister, Dr Pratt Kristina Kenyatta, recognised for her longstanding contributions to public service. She is the immediate former chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya since her appointment on January 8, 2002. She had served for 23 years before she exited this year.
Attorney General Oduor Dorcas Agik, Narok Governor Ole Ntutu Patrick Keturet, and Dr Jaffer Mohamed Husein who is the Chairman and Trustee of the Jaffer Foundation Charitable Trust, were also fetted with the E.G.H award.
In the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.) classification, President Ruto honoured the Commander of the Kenya Army and the Kenya Airforce Lt. Gen. Ketter David Kipkemboi and Maj. Gen. Waliaula Bernard, respectively.
Lt Major General Keter and Maj. Gen Waliaula were both promoted early this year.
The President also issued multiple honours under The Order of the Burning Spear, beginning with the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), awarded to prominent religious leaders, lawmakers, senior public servants, and members of the disciplined forces.
Among those listed were MPs Muli Fabian Kyule (Kangundo), Koyi John Waluke (Sirisia), Chege John Kiragu (Limuru), Obara Eve Akinyi (Kabondo Kasipul), Rev. Okoth Zacchaeus, Mrs Ngetich Anne Maria Chepkosgei Rono and Dr Waiyaki Isabel Nyambura, among others.
The Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) was conferred on senior judges, military officers, religious leaders, administrators, and professionals, including Justice Kanyi Kimondo, Mrs Grossmann Edyta Katarzyna, Brig. Mohamud Omar, Bishop Dr. Njiriri Samuel, Rev. Ruto Christopher, Court of Appeal Judge Justice Odunga George Vincent, Amb. Grignon Koki Muli, and many others listed in the notice.
A further extensive list of honorees was named under the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), capturing high-ranking officers in the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, Judiciary, and civil service.
By Joseph Muia
