From Left: Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi, the Chief Justice, Marther Koome and Rev. David Lebarleyia at the Supreme Court buildings in Nairobi today.
By Benard Mulwa
The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Marther Koome has today challenged the National Heroes Council to work towards coming up with ways and avenues through which Kenya can pay homage to their courage, their sacrifices, and the indomitable spirit that has shaped the identity of our beloved nation, Kenya.
This comes as the Chief Justice presided over the swearing in ceremony of Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi Ondieki as the Chairman of the National Heroes Council and Rev. David Lebarleyia as a member of the Council today at the Supreme Court.
The appointment of Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi and Rev. David Lebarleyia was meant to persuade the National Heroes Council to ensure that the stories of our heroes continue to inspire, motivate and drive us a nation towards a future that’s vibrant and promising as the heroes themselves.
“we trust in your abilities to promote the goals that informed the establishment of the National Heroes Council, which is to celebrate our heroes in a manner befitting their contributions, and to inspire future generations to emulate their spirit,” the Chief Justice speech reads in part.
Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi will serve for a period of three years effective from 13th of October 2023 and Rev. David Lebarleyia appointment is effective from 27th October and will serve for three years as well.
The National Heroes Council is a State Corporation established under the State Corporation Act Cap 446 and by the Kenya Heroes Act No 5 of 2014. The mandate of the Council is to establish criteria for the identification, selection and honoring of national heroes.
Specific functions of the Council include, formulating and implementing policy relating to national heroes, identifying and recommending national heroes; establishing and overseeing the management of the national heroes square, design and creation of appropriate commemorative items for purpose of honoring national heroes.
Other functions include administering State assistance to national heroes where necessary; enforcing sanctions and penalties in respect to disgraced national heroes, and carrying out studies, research and evaluations of the national honours system and other systems in other jurisdictions.
Additionally, the Council is mandated to conduct and facilitate civic education and awareness on issues relating to national heroes.
Heroes are identified, selected and declared from categories highlighted in the Kenya Heroes Act of 2014. These categories include the liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship professionalism, research, peacemaking, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration and environmental conservation.
The Chief Justice and President of the Supreme Court Marther Koome asked the Chairman Hon. Jimmy Angwenyi and Rev. David Lebarleyia as they discharge their role, always to bear it in mind that the position that they assume today is more than just a title or rank. It is a promise to our nation, a promise to uphold the ideals of our heroes, a promise to remember their sacrifices, and above all, a promise to ensure that their stories continue to shape the trajectory of our nation.
“Let us always remember that through their acts of bravery, integrity, and resilience, our heroes have made immense contribution to various facets and spheres that make the fabric of our nation. They are our touchstones, and our lodestars, guiding our progress and reminding us of the ideals upon which our nation is built,” the Chief Justice said adding that “Let us always remember that through their acts of bravery, integrity, and resilience, our heroes have made immense contribution to various facets and spheres that make the fabric of our nation. They are our touchstones, and our lodestars, guiding our progress and reminding us of the ideals upon which our nation is built,”.