President Uhuru Kenyatta on Friday, May 13, celebrated a former inmate who beat all odds to earn his freedom through education.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, during this year's President's Award-Kenya Gold Award presentations, Uhuru narrated the story of John Mutembei and how acquiring skills in digital helped him overturn his conviction.
Uhuru stated that Mutembei, a former inmate at Nyeri prison, was a beneficiary of the Compass Project: The Digital Online Platform for Engaging in the World Program.
Through learning and acquiring digital skills, Mutembei launched an appeal against his conviction through the Judiciary's online system.
His appeal was heard and Mutembei earned his freedom. He was among the Gold awardees being celebrated at State House today.
President Uhuru asked the Head of Public Service, Joseph Kinyua, to make sure that he meets with Mutembei so that he can celebrate him in person.
The President stated that he wanted to pay tribute to two other individuals who distinguished themselves through outstanding achievements across the spectrum of the program; Esther Mureke Kuria and Ferdinand Omanyala.
Mureke, who is a teacher and an award leader at Nyeri High School, was recognized as one of the most inspiring volunteers, not just in Kenya, but globally.
Mureke pioneered the awards work in Kenya's prisons and has become a role model to the young boys who participate. Uhuru thanked her for her work and noted that she is a distinguished and model citizen.
The Head of State celebrated sprinting sensation, Ferdinard Omanyala, for his exploits and winnings on the track.
He celebrated other athletes who also brought glory to the country during the Kip Keino Classic held last week at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
"I must say that it is in all fields and this last weekend, for instance, we bust in the glory during the 2022 World Athletics Continental Tour that was here in Nairobi also known as the Kip Keino Classic, where our young athletes led by Ferdinand Omanyala raised our national flag to new heights through the exemplary performance," Uhuru stated.
"Omanyala's growing exploits in the sprint underscores that Kenya is not just a powerhouse in the middle and long-distance races but also in sprinting and indeed this exemplifies the power of youth and the potential to drive Kenya to new frontiers."
