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“We don’t need another hero, We don’t need to know the way home, All we want is life beyond the Thunderdome”. These are lyrics of “We don’t need another hero”, the 1985 hit single by songstress Tina Turner. The song was written and released at a time when the world faced the risk of a nuclear meltdown during the Cold War, just like the current rising tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The artist advocated for a post-nuclear world based on love and compassion. She warned that nuclear weapons are not an assurance for peace and security. But critics said it was an anti-messiah song that declared the world does not need “someone” to stop the impending catastrophe; that global peace is both an individual and collective right and responsibility. Also remember the 1991 hit song “Heal the World” by Michael Jackson and friends?  

But truth be told, this “crazy” world needs heroes. In a world that has lost its humanity due to unbridled materialism, we desperately need people who see things devoid of covetous lenses. Generally, a hero is a person “who, in the face of danger, combats adversity through feats of ingenuity, bravery or strength, often sacrificing their own personal concerns for a greater good”. He or she is a rare breed whose selflessness and service to others borders on martyrdom. 

Unsurprisingly, therefore, every year there are loud murmurs after the government releases the list of recipients for Head of State Commendations in recognition of exemplary service. The list includes artists, journalists, politicians, government officers et al. While there are obvious nominees that attract universal consensus on their role in fostering national unity, there are those who provoke derision. 

Kenyans feel some of the nominees are awarded simply for being darlings of the powers-that-be. Some are simply opportunists who inadvertently find themselves in uncanny situations, and exploit the limelight to full effect, taking choreography to new heights in search of publicity. In fact, today there is a thin line between genuine heroism and role acting. 

The Kenya Heroes Act, 2014 provides for, among other functions, the recognition of heroes, establishment of criteria for the identification, selection and honouring of national heroes, provision of categories of heroes, and establishment of the National Heroes Council. When swearing in the new Board of the Council in September, Chief Justice Martha Koome stated that Kenya should build a new culture and practice identifying, celebrating and supporting the unsung heroes and heroines when they are still with us.

The identification of national heroes is a very critical exercise to be politicised or cheapened. It touches on the soul of a nation. It sets the tone of how citizens relate with one another, and the extent to which individuals are ready to go to alleviate the challenges faced by their neighbours. We would rather have a short list of national heroes than have a long one whose composition betrays those who have genuinely sacrificed  lives for others.

Mature countries hold their heroes in awe. They establish halls of fame and erect statues so that progeny can learn from those who made their society strong, resilient and even powerful and wealthy.

Sunday is Christmas Day and many are looking forward to fun with family and friends. But as we spoil ourselves during this day that celebrates the hero of all time, Jesus Christ, let us be a hero to someone. 

Spare a moment for those who have totally nothing to celebrate about. Meet them at their point of need, whether material or otherwise. I wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2023.

—The writer is a PhD student in International Relations