Kenyans are known for their willingness to assist one another, their unity and the special bond that surfaces whenever they are faced with adversity or are out to celebrate memorable events.
In 2019, several incidents tested their resolve or buoyed their spirit. Either way, their unity grew stronger when they watched history unfold before their eyes, when they joined hands to cry for justice, and when they came together to change lives.
Here are a number of 2019 events that which will remain etched in the minds of Kenyans for a long time.
Eliud Kipchoge's INEOS 1:59 Challenge
No one can dispute that Eliud Kipchoge is the best athlete to ever grace the tracks. The humble marathoner endeared, not only to his countrymen but the whole world, became the first man to run a marathon in under two hours.
The world record holder, in an unofficial race in Vienna Austria, ran a 42 km marathon clocking 1:59:40 on Saturday, October 12.
The event had the world watching as he crossed the finish line, engraving his name and Kenya into the books of history. Kipchoge went on to win the 2019 World Athletics Male Athlete of the year, beating four other contestants to retain the award, during the World Athletics Gala in November 2019.
President Uhuru Kenyatta further bestowed him with the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH) award. Indeed, no human is limited.
Brother Peter Tabichi Wins Global Award
The Mathematics and Physics teacher at Keriko Secondary School in Nakuru became the first African to win the prestigious 2019 Varkey Foundation Global Teacher Prize, bagging Ksh100 million in March 2019.
The foundation lauded the teacher for changing the lives of his students, in a school with only one computer, poor internet and a student-teacher ratio of 58:1.
Tabichi won the hearts of Kenyans and the world further recognised him when he met US President Donald Trump and was granted the honour of opening the US Congress with a prayer.
In another stride, the teacher found favour in working alongside international A-list superstars, Will Smith and Rachel Brosnahan, as an ambassador for the Education Cannot Wait Foundation.
"It will be my great honour to help them ensure children whose lives have been blighted by war and catastrophe are given their birthright; a decent education," expressed the teacher. Bless you, Brother Tabichi.
Harambee Stars Steals the Show at 2019 AFCON
Japan-based striker Michael Olunga and Tottenham Hotspur player Victor Wanyama led Kenya to the 2019 African Cup of Nation in Egypt, in July 2019. Despite Harambee Stars bowing out of the tourney early, the players made Kenyans proud.
The boys, despite the Sports ministry under CS Amina Mohamed being marred with controversies, fraud and frustrations, earned a place in the tourney for the first time in 14 years. Their last appearance before then was in 2004.
Led by ex-coach Sebastian Migne, Harambee Stars lost 2-0 to Algeria, 3-0 to Senegal, but saved face for Kenyans when they thrashed neighbours Tanzania 3-2.
Raising Ksh2.4 million in 2 Hours for Bianca Wambui on JK Live show
Bianca Wambui, 13, touched the hearts of many Kenyans with her heartbreaking story when she appeared on Jeff Koinange’s JKLive show in August 2019. Bianca, who is fighting breast cancer, narrated how she dropped out of school after she an operation to remove one of her breasts.
She recalled being mocked by her peers, which caused her frustration until she dropped out of school.
As soon as Koinange shared a pay bill number to help Bianca raise funds for her cancer treatment, Kenyans overwhelmingly supported the young girl and one hour later, the amount contributed had hit Ksh 2,442,500.
Her cancer story reminded Kenyans of notable people who succumbed in 2019. Safaricom CEO Bob Collymore, Bomet Governor Joyce Laboso and Kibra MP Ken Okoth, among many Kenyans passed away after battling cancer for long, forcing the government to intervene and set up measures to curb it.
President Barrack Obama once said, “Whatever the challenge, you will be stronger if you face it as Kenyans.” God bless Kenya.
Building Bridges Initiative (BBI)
The initiative created by the famous March 2018 handshake between President Uhuru Kenyatta and Orange Democratic Movement leader Raila Odinga was loved and loathed by many.
Before its launch on Wednesday, November 27, it had divided Kenyans and politicians apart.
However, the proposal later brought Kenyans together as it started a discussion towards a new Kenya, as politicians who had earlier opposed it changed tune.
President Uhuru Kenyatta hinged his legacy upon the initiative which he stated would unite Kenyans and bring and end to the violence experienced after every General Election.
Jobless Woman Story
Her story came at a time when the private sector in Kenya was crumbling. Betting giants Sportpesa and Betin had shut operation in Kenya due to stringent regulations by the government.
In October 2019, the unknown teary woman, whose video went viral after she displayed her letter of dismissal from her boss, broke many hearts.
Many Kenyans went on to narrate their own ordeals at workplaces, faulting the government and how its actions rendered many of them jobless..
Likoni Ferry Tragedy
The country was engulfed with sadness when Miriam Kigenda and her daughter Amanda Mutheu drowned in the Indian Ocean on Sunday, September 29, 2019.
It took 13 days to retrieve their bodies from the as reports of wrangles between the government and private rescuers hit the headlines.
The tragedy exposed the rot at Kenya Ferry Services and brought into light the risks many Kenyans are exposed to, day in day out, by government agencies tasked with protecting them.
Kenyans ganged up online against President Uhuru Kenyatta, criticising him for sending a condolence message to the grieving family, 14 days after the tragedy. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko and his Makueni counterpart Kivutha Kibwana were among the many who jumped to the rescue of the mourning family.
