Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims (SUPKEM) top official Adan Wachu has been sworn in as the Heroes Council Chairperson in a ceremony Presided over by Chief Justice David Maraga.
Wachu was sworn in Monday, alongside five other members of the council including Global Teacher Prize Winner Peter Tabichi and Marathon Legend Eliud Kipchoge to join Heroes Council.
Chief Justice Maraga called on the members of the Council to discharge their mandates with utmost fidelity saying only those who serve selflessly and contribute immensely to the welfare of the country in their respective fields deservethe coveted award.
“Those that you identify as National heroes and heroines must represent every piece of our nation’s noblest aspirations without being unduly influenced by factors such as gender, tribe, political persuasion religion or any other factor,” Maraga noted.
He called on the Wachu led team to establish a clear criterion for the selection of heroes with explicit definitions on how those identified have impacted on the lives of Wanjiku.
The swearing in ceremony was conducted at the Supreme Court, where Wachu promised that the Council will discharge its duties diligently and will effectively identify the right heroes and heroines in the country to be feted during national events. “We will be able to be fair and just in discharging our mandate. We will interrogate our past history in order to get the right people,” he said.
Others sworn in during the same event included Principal Secretary Josephta Mukobe and Mau Mau war veteran Gitu Kahengeri.
The functions of the Hero’s Council include formulating and implementing a policy relating to National Heroes, identifying, and recommending National Heroes and enforcing sanctions and penalties in respect to disgraced National Heroes.
The law provides that in the exercise of its functions, the Council shall have regard to patriotism, National Unity, the rule of law, sharing and devolution of power as well as human dignity, equity, social justice and inclusiveness.
By Shirlene Omondi/Gworo Alice
