Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri called for a broader appreciation of national heroes, emphasising the contributions of non-political actors.

Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on October 20, 2025, Theuri argued that political leadership is often elevated above other sectors.

“I mean, it’s obviously absurd, and it’s absurd because we appear to elevate political leadership and politics above the other cadres of, you know, let me just say, let’s say if you were to look at politics as a profession, we appear to elevate politics to a higher standard than any other contribution to the country,” he said.

Theuri highlighted that while politics is important, it is not the sole engine of progress.

“And I think politics, one, is important, but two, there are a lot of people, there are actually a lot of people who contribute positively to the development of this country that are not within the political sphere,” he noted.

He further emphasised the constitutional purpose behind national days, explaining that honours are meant to recognise all contributors to national development.

“And one of the other things that we want to look at, and looking at the Constitution and even the renaming of these national days and national honours, the idea behind it is to really recognise those that are contributing to the development of the states.”

Criticism of parliament and politicians

Theuri expressed concern over the focus on politicians, citing actions that destabilise the country.

“And I think that a lot of times we lose focus on that and we tend to look at politicians as the only people who are building the state, yet when we actually look at the actions that politicians have taken, we see that they have taken significant actions towards destabilising the state.”

He criticised the current parliament, adding, “If you look at the current parliament, for example, there is nothing of not that they have done to encourage the building of a state. We, you just look at some of the legislation that have actually come out of parliament and you can see that the laws that parliament has passed and some that have, and the number of times that the High Court have had to declare most of those laws as unconstitutional.”

He lamented the betrayal of public trust, saying, “It tells you that parliament as an institution to a large extent has betrayed the Constitution, has betrayed the trust that people have placed in them.”

Call for broader hero recognition

Theuri urged a rethink of the Mashujaa Day honours process, noting the egos of politicians often overshadow unsung contributors.

“And now we are even having a problem agreeing as to who can actually be recognised as a hero, and when you have this list and it comes out and everyone is looking and is wondering, what is happening? And the egos of politicians trying to elevate themselves is something that we actually are, something that is betraying the spirit of Mashujaa. Because a lot of people have actually contributed to the development of this country, and they are unsung, as you call them. And that is how it should be.”

He proposed delaying recognition for serving politicians to evaluate their contributions fairly.

“And I think that politicians should actually only be awarded once they are out of the stage so that we are able to evaluate their contribution. But for as long as they continue to serve, and some of the words that they utter, some of the actions that they take, defy the principles that are actually in the Constitution.”

Theuri’s comments came as Mashujaa Day celebrations unfolded at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County, underscoring the need to honour all who contribute to Kenya’s development, beyond political offices.