Senator Thang’wa: Why I accept Ruto’s Chief of the Burning Spear award despite our differences
By Kiplagat Sang, December 13, 2024Kiambu County Senator Karungo wa Thangw’a has explained why he will accept the Chief of the Burning Spear award given to him by President William Ruto despite their differences.
Although he was elected on a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) ticket, the senator has distanced himself from the ruling party since Rigathi Gachagua was impeached as the deputy president.
He is a known Ruto critic and an ally of the former Mathira Member of Parliament, and his acceptance of the state award, he says, is not an act of political allegiance to the President.
“The Chief of the Burning Spear Award is one of the highest honours recognizing outstanding service and contributions to Kenya. It transcends individual politics and focuses on the collective good of the nation.
“While I may not align with the current government’s policies or leadership, my acceptance of the award would be to honour the values it represents and the people it seeks to uplift.
“It is a recognition of service to Kenya, not a statement of political allegiance,” Thang’wa clarified in a statement on X on Friday, December 13, 2024.
Awards
President Ruto awarded different awards to outstanding citizens during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Thursday, December 12, 2024. The awards included the Orderof the Golden Heart and the Order of the Burning Spear.