Waluke, Didmus Barasa, Olekina among 46 MPs nominated for National Honours

The Members of Parliament are among 60 persons nominated by parliament through the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee.

The remaining 14 are senior government officials serving in different departments.

They have been nominated for the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) and the Head of State Commendation (HSC).

Some of the notable legislators include MPs John Waluke (Sirisia), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), William Kamket (Tiaty), Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West) and Rarieda MP Otiende Omollo.

Among the Senators included are Narok Senator Ledama Olekina alongside nominated Senators Veronica Maina and Tabitha Mutinda.

Other state officials include Chairperson of the Commission on Revenue Allocation (CRA) Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati.

Among the 60, 48 have been nominated for CBS, 8 for OGW, 3 for MBS and one for HSC.

In Kenya, national honours are provided for by Article 132(4)(c) of the Constitution and are detailed in the National Honours Act, 2013.

The President confers these honours on individuals and bodies in recognition of exceptional service and contributions to the country, with recommendations from advisory committees.

Presidential awards include the Order of the Golden Heart, Order of the Burning Spear and Order of the Grand Warrior.

The Order of the Golden Heart is the highest-ranking award.

It is divided into three categories based on seniority including Chief, Elder and Moran.

Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) is the highest award and is usually awarded to sitting presidents and prominent religious or military leaders.

Alongside President Ruto other Presidents like Yoweri Museveni (Uganda) and Former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf have received the award.

The Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) is given to the sitting Deputy President, Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, Cabinet Secretaries, the First and Second Ladies, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service.

The third class award is the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH).

The second category is the Order of the Burning Spear (OBS) presented to public dignitaries, professionals and exemplary members of the public service.

The Order is divided into three categories based on seniority which are the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).

The last category is the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) presented to persons who have done outstanding service to the country in various capacities. Often, it is given to those who put their lives at risk for the good of the country.

The award is also categorised into three; Chief, Elder and Moran.

Other categories include Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO), Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star and President’s Commendations (Military and Civilian Division).