Tech giants Google in collaboration with the National Museums Council marked Mashujaa Day by honoring Kenyan super heroes in a unique way.
Following an estimated 2 years worth of research and curation, Kenyans can now read up on 61 digitised real life super hero stories from 44 communities in Kenya.
On Google Arts and Culture, Kenya's folklore stories are brought to life in an effort to preserve Kenyan history and enlighten future generations.
A good example of a hero that most Kenyans have never heard about is Queen Amanirenas: The White Nile Archeress from the Nubi community.
This fearless queen warrior forced Emperor Caesar Augustus to sign a peace treaty after she trumped him on the battleground over and over.
Fighting side by side with her soldiers, Queen Amanirenas led the army with her son by her side.
Her attack was highly successful and Queen Amanirenas captured three major Roman cities. As a statement of their victory, her army went on to deface Augustus’ many statues of himself.
Amanirenas counterattacked quickly and repeatedly, using some terrifying war tactics. A historical painting depicts her with two swords feeding captives to her pet lion.
Her bloodline eventually settled in Kibera, Nairobi in 1870. Due to their fearlessness, they were brought to Kenya to serve in the East African Rifles, a regiment of the British colonial armed forces.
The origin of the Nubians and that of 60 other heroes are now permanently available on Google Arts and Culture, ensuring that the country's rich history is available to everyone for generations to come.
210 Kenyans will be recognized by President Uhuru Kenyatta during this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kisii.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions, only 50 will be present in Kisii to receive the President's commendations in person.
The 210 have been described as everyday heroes that have contributed greatly across various sectors of industry in the country.
