President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday, July 13, feted a number of Kenyans with presidential awards with just 26 days left to the end of his term.
Uhuru awarded the Order of the Golden Heart (OGH) - the highest award given to civilians - to his former Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, and his Personal Assistant and nephew Jomo Gecaga.
Billionaire Paul Ndung'u, First lady Margaret Kenyatta's Chief of Staff Constance Gakonyo, Florence Awori, and Kennedy Waitukika Kihara were also recipients of the OGH.
The Head of State feted State House Spokesperson Kanze Dena, Justices Isaac Lenaola and Daniel Musinga and Registrar of Political Parties Anne Nderitu with the Chief of the Order of Burning Spear (CBS).
Other recipients of the OBS include political analyst Mutahi Ngunyi who has been working at State House as a political advisor and KICC Managing Director Nana Gecaga was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (OBS).
Prof Lukoye Atwoli, Media Council of Kenya CEO David Omwoyo and M-Pesa Africa Managing Director Sitoyo Lopokoiyit were named recipients of the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
The Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) was awarded to Deputy Head of the Presidential Strategic Communication Unit (PSCU) Munira Mohamed, Senior Sergeant Duncan Muthuri and Engineer Gindon Nduati.
Uhuru awarded the Head of State Commendation to military officers including majors, captains, warrant officers and Sylvester Shirandula who was the only corporal on the list.
Civilian commendations were awarded to Kenya Meat Commission's Dr Patricia Kingori, Bishops Fredrick Nderitu and Samson Muthuri, and Retired Major Jillo Swaleh.
Other civilians include David Koech, Carol Misoi, Nick Kariuki, Stella Nthenya, Bilha Kimani, Grace Kairethi, Kelvin Ngima, Dennis Momanyi and Samwel Bett.
The awards are usually presented to Kenyans for distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
The Chief and Elder of the Golden Hearts are awarded to Kenyans with exceptionally outstanding qualities. Eliud Kipchoge was feted with the EGH in October 2019 after he ran the Ineos Marathon in under two hours.