The National Heroes Council has released the names of 180 Kenyans proposed for recognition as national heroes and heroines during the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
In a notice dated September 16, 2025, the Council said the full list of proposed honorees has been published on its website and invited members of the public to submit their views.
The recognition is part of the mandate of the Council under the Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014, which provides for the identification, selection, and honoring of individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country.
Further, the proposed names cut across key categories including the liberation struggle, entrepreneurship and industry, human rights, philanthropy, and the creative economy.
The recommendations, once approved, will see the individuals formally recognized for their courage, sacrifice, and service to Kenya.
Also Read: Govt Opens Nominations for National Heroes Awards Ahead of Mashujaa Day
Big Names of Kenyans on the National Heroes List
Among the nominees is Ryan Ogam, a celebrated footballer who has risen through Kenya’s sporting ranks, and Citizen TV’s Mwanahamisi Hamadi, a household name in Swahili journalism and cultural storytelling.
Sports icon Fatuma Zarika, Kenya’s first female World Boxing Council (WBC) champion, also features on the list, alongside Elizabeth Andiego, another pioneer in women’s boxing.
“This is about honoring those who continue to shape our society in diverse ways,from music and sports to governance and peace-building,” the Council said in its notice.
Category Highlights
Sports Heroes
- Ryan Ogam – rising footballer representing Kenya on regional stages.
- Fatuma Zarika – Kenya’s first female WBC boxing champion.
- Elizabeth Andiego – pioneer boxer for Kenya’s women’s national team.
- David Owino “Calabar” – Harambee Stars defender.
- Chris Mbaisi – veteran sports journalist and editor.
More nominees include coaches, referees, and community mentors.
Media & Culture
- Mwanahamisi Hamadi – Citizen TV journalist preserving Swahili culture.
- Mwalimu Austin Onyango Otieno – founder, Songrova International School of Music.
- Tobias Onyango Owiyo – veteran Luo musician, father of Suzanna Owiyo.
- Abubakar Juma Bhalo – legendary Taarab composer.
- Mzee Javan Adero Okello – mentor in Dodo traditional music.
- Sheikh Khalifa Abdulrahaman serves as a cultural ambassador in Mombasa.
- Rasto Onyango – Kisumu-based visual artist.
Also Read: Ruto Nominates Tonje, Ayoti Sakaja, and General Mohamed as 2024 Heroes
Governance, Cohesion & Human Rights
- Hussein Khalid – co-founder of Haki Africa, human rights defender.
- John Njue – Embu mediator credited with fostering electoral peace.
- Beatrice Njenga – gender and youth rights campaigner.
- Dr. Moses Olouch – lawyer and civic educator in Kisumu.
Creative Economy
- Martin Munya Ndirui – producer of Ms. President TV show.
- Hellen Mwangi – upcoming filmmaker.
- Nahashon Mukhwaya Nabwayo “Shikwekwe” – veteran actor.
- Elizabeth Awor Obegbe – pioneer broadcaster.
Govt Calls for Public Participation
The Council has opened a public participation window where Kenyans can object or submit representations on the proposed names by September 30, 2025, through affidavits sent via email, postal mail, or hand delivery to its Upper Hill offices.
Final names will be read out during the Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2025, before they are inscribed on Kenya’s official Roll of Heroes.
The full list of 180 names is published by the National Heroes Council at www.heroes.go.ke
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