The National Heroes Council has commenced preparations for the strategic plan that will go a long way in coming up with an elaborate framework for the identification of the country’s heroes for recognition.
Not much has been heard of the council in the public discourse since its inception in 2014, following the enactment of the Kenya Heroes Act in the same year.
The Council CEO, Charles Wambia, said the move, which will go a long way in revitalizing them, was also in line with the fulfillment of the constitutional requirement for public organizations to implement strategic planning to guide their activities.
Speaking in Embu Town Friday, during the first public participation forum with grassroots leaders and heroes from eight counties in the Central and Eastern Region, Wambia said among the key areas under review were identification and honouring processes.
“We are in the process of gathering views from the public to guide our activities as we seek to operationalize the strategic plan in July in preparation for Mashujaa Day celebrations later in the year,” he said.
He said many questions abound with regard to many Kenyans who have not been recognized despite their immense contribution and sacrifice for the country in different fields, saying these are some of the gray areas that the plan will seek to address.
The CEO said they are also projecting in the near future to open regional offices to aid in decision making in the identification and selection process.
He at the same time called on those accorded the status to hold their images high in the public eye lest they attract sanctions that may include the withdrawal of the awards.
Participants present expressed divergent views, with some citing the neglect of renowned heroes while others commended the government for recognizing their efforts and sacrifices.
Local leader Daudi Tari Abukula from Isiolo said the northern part of Kenya had been marginalized in terms of proper recognition of their heroic acts and sacrifices for the nation.
For instance, he singled out the Shifta War, in which ethnic Somalis in the Northern Frontier District attempted to take over northern Kenya from Isiolo upwards.
Abukula said there were people who died protecting Kenyan territory against the secession attempt, alongside Daudi Wabaso Wabera, who was the first African DC in Isiolo, but have never been recognized.
Two-time world champion marathon winner Catherine Ndereba said a number of athletes had been recognized, including herself, but called for more efforts to be made to identify and reward many more who have gone unnoticed.
Embu North Deputy County Commissioner William Owino said the heroes of today will be among those who spearhead the war on the drug and illicit liquor menace, especially among the young people.
By Samuel Waititu
