Govt proposes 3 freedom fighters for national heroes award
By Kiprono Keileb, September 16, 2025The National Heroes Council has invited Kenyans to submit objections or representations on a list of nominees proposed to be declared as national heroes.
In a public notice issued on my MyGov publication dated Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Council said it is carrying out its mandate as outlined in the Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014, which gives it the responsibility to identify, select, and recognise national heroes and heroines.
Council Calls for Public Participation
“Members of the public who think that a proposed person to be honoured is not deserving are hereby invited to raise any objections and representations,” the National Heroes Council said.
The Council explained that objections must be presented through sworn affidavits within 14 days of the notice. The deadline for submission is 30th September 2025.
“The objections and representations will be considered in line with the provisions of the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014,” the notice reads.
The Council further directed that submissions may be made through email addresses provided, hand-delivered to the Chief Executive Officer at the Council’s offices in Embankment Plaza, Upper Hill, or sent via post.
Nominees in the Liberation Struggle Category
The Council published the names of individuals nominated under different categories, starting with those recognised for their role in the liberation struggle.
One of the nominees is Gitu wa Kahengeri, OGW, who is proposed for recognition due to his contribution to the Mau Mau Freedom movement. The Council noted that “Hon. Gitu is being honoured for his contribution to the liberation struggle. In 1950, he took an oath in support of the Mau Mau Freedom movement. He spent nearly seven years at Athi-River and Manda Island detention camps, where he was tortured and denied food.”
Another nominee is Muchiri M’Mwitha, recognised for providing vital supplies to fighters. “Muchiri is being honoured for his contribution to the liberation struggle by supplying food and water to freedom fighters while in the forest. He was actively involved in mapping hideouts and escape routes to evade colonialist invasion,” the Council stated.
Also nominated is Mwararia Emilio M’kanga, cited for his role in strengthening Mau Mau operations. “Mwararia is being honoured for his contribution to the liberation struggle by leading operational logistics and oath-taking that ensured solidarity and teamwork in the Mau Mau struggle in Lower Mt. Kenya Ndigia forest,” the Council explained.
Deadline for Objections Approaches
The Council has emphasised that the 14-day window for the public to raise concerns will not be extended. “Objections and representations (through sworn affidavits) should be submitted within 14 days of publication of this notice, that is by 30th September 2025,” it said.
The exercise marks a significant stage in the process of recognising national heroes whose contributions shaped Kenya’s history and future.