Raila Odinga, Farah Maalim, Among 242 Kenyans Nominated for National Hero Status {FULL LIST}

The National Heroes Council has opened a public review of 242 Kenyans nominated for consideration as national heroes.

According to the proposal, the nominees come from various fields, including education, politics, liberation, sports, arts, peacebuilding, culture, philanthropy, industry, and environmental conservation.

The list includes former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, former Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, Prof. Githu Muigai, Central Bank Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge, former Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro and athletics stars Beatrice Chepkoech and Timothy Cheruiyot.

Kenyans have until September 15, 2026, to submit objections or representations before the Council prepares its final list.

“Members of the public who are of the opinion that any person proposed to be honored is not deserving of such recognition are hereby invited to submit any objections and representations,” read the notice signed by Council Chairman Jimmy Nuru Ondieki Angwenyi.

Statesmanship Heroes Category

Nominees under this category are distinguished for their exceptional service in national governance, public administration, international diplomacy, and constitutional development.

They include individuals who spearheaded economic stability, directed critical humanitarian crisis responses, championed devolution, and fought for multiparty democracy

• Dr. Amina Amb. Mohammed Chawahir
• Prof. Githu Muigai
• Dr. Thugge Kamau
• Dr. Mohammed Asha
• Rt.Hon. Ethuro Ekwe
• Mr. Bichanga Johnson Okero
• Posthumous:
  1. Mr. Khalif Ahmed Mohammed
  2. Mr. Andrew K. Saikwa
  3. Hon. Ayodo Samuel Onyango
  4. Hon. Kimeto Anthony Kipkoskei Sotet
  5. Dr. Laboso Joyce Cherono Abonyo
  6. Hon. Mutai Philomena Chelagat
  7. Rt. Hon. Odinga Raila Amolo, C.G.H
  8. Dr. Omamo William Odongo
  9. Mr. Pio Gama Pinto
  10. Chief (rtd) Chimutani Clement Kawere
  11. Hon. Morara George Justus

Scholarship, Professionalism and Research Heroes

Honorees in this category are recognized for exceptional contributions to academic advancement, scientific research, and professional stewardship.

Grounded in the promotion of learning across various sectors, these nominees have shaped TVET policies, advanced agricultural research, pioneered cardiothoracic medicine, and safeguarded historical archives.

Their work also includes groundbreaking international scientific leadership and the introduction of educational initiatives in marginalized regions.

• Mr. Abdi Abikar
• Ms. Kwoko Irene Koli
• Dr. Lari Leonard Rang’ala
• Dr. Mogeni Richard Mogaka
• Dr. Mutungi Glory Kambaja
• Mr. Chemoiwa Sammy Kipkemoi
• Mr. Kamau Kiarie
• Mr. Kemei Mark Kiprono
• Ms. Kimani Sophia Wambui
• Dr. Kuto Luka Yano Komen
• Mr. Kwambai Kosgei Fredrick
• Mrs. Mburu Martha Wanjiru
• Mr. Muroki Henry Mwiki
• Ms. Mwaniki Marion Mukenyi
• Mr. Otieno Leonard Oduor
• Prof. Ratemo Waya Michieka
• Prof. Richard Kiprono Mibey
• Prof. White Russell Eli
• Ms. Omollo Elizabeth Anyango
• Dr. Akola John Otieno
• Dr. Onsando James Micah
• Dr. Njoroge Jane Gakenia
• Mr. Musila Musembi
• Dr. Ajwang Benard Onyango
• Prof. Maitai Charles Karimi
• Mr. Okello Peter Wasonga
• Prof. Akama John Sorana
• Dr. Bita Caesar
• Ms. Salome Jepkosgei Kiplagat
• Sir Minge Robert Mokaya
• Mr. Gary Philbrick
• Posthumous:
  1. Mr. Farah Maalim Omar Sheikh
  2. Dr. Kagombe David Maina
  3. Prof. Wandiga Shem Oyoo
  4. Prof. Ogot Bethwell Allan
  5. Prof. Calestous Juma
  6. Chief Odero Akango Ruoth

Liberation Struggle Heroes

This category honors individuals who bravely resisted colonial rule and actively supported Kenya’s fight for independence.

Honorees include Mau Mau freedom fighters, intelligence gatherers, and nationalist leaders who coordinated and supplied food, clothing, medicine, and critical strategic intelligence under hazardous conditions.

• Ms. Kanampiu Cianthia Justa
• Mr. Karatu Ng’ang’a Wa
• Mrs. Kiguru Wambaki wa
• Mr. Nyumiu Lawrence Karoki
• Posthumous:
  1. Mr. Kamau Waira wa
  2. Mr. Kiama Stanley Muigai
  3. Mr. M’nthigai Sammuel Mburia
  4. Mr. Mbiuki Eusebiu Baikunyua
  5. Mr. Ngumburu Mwaniki
  6. Mr. Leaduma Kaldojan Oledume
  7. Hon. Kebaso John
  8. Rev. Apindi Ezekiel

Arts Heroes

This category celebrates individuals who have made outstanding contributions to literature, music, drama, fine arts, and the creative economy.

Nominees have utilized playwriting to examine societal realities, preserved coastal and indigenous musical heritages, promoted disability inclusion in performing arts, and mentored the next generation of creative practitioners.

• Prof. Imbuga Francis Davis
• Mr. Ariambee James Rutto
• Mrs. Chebet Joyce Langat
• Mr. Chemosi Ben Kaye
• Mrs. Chepngeno Beatrice Lagat
• Mr. Gatitu Stephen Muchiri
• Mr. Kiratu Christopher David Mwaura
• Mr. Lumbukeni Harry Dingo
• Mr. Makobi Timona
• Mr. Minishi Oliver
• Mr. Munene Onesmus Kamau
• Mr. Mutune Victor Mbuvi
• Mr. Nakali Elisha Vitolo
• Mr. Ndiema Tony Alfred
• Mr. Omamu Isaac Mugunda
• Dr. Yusuf Noah
• Mr. Limo Joshua Kendagor
• Mr. Kararahe John Gatuguta
• Mr. Njambi George Gachara
• Mr. Esmail Mohamed Afzal
• Mr. Mbugua Ian
• Mr. Bii Cosmas Kipkemoi
• Mr. Okwach Nicholas
• Mr. Nduma Adrian Kinyua
• Mrs. Mabwa Savane Krysteen
• Mr. Atikha Kevin Lukachi
• Mr. Anuanga Fernando Omondi
• Posthumous:
  1. Ms. Chelele Diana
  2. Mr. Kwach Carey Francis Edward
  3. Ms. Otiato Maureen Achieng’
  4. Mr. Kipkemoi Taguto Raphael Kipchamba Arap Tapotuk

Cultural Values and Practices Heroes

Nominees in this field are honored for safeguarding, documenting, and promoting traditional heritage and indigenous practices.

Their initiatives include organizing cultural festivals, writing local wisdom books, conserving intangible cultural heritage recognized by international bodies like UNESCO, and championing community values.

• Dr. Ambeva Edward Esanyia
• Mr. Atemba Nemwel Mishael Mogere
• Mr. Kakati Collins Mukambe
• Mr. Keis Moses Leonard
• Mrs. Kipsang Veronicah Yegoh
• Mrs. Mann Rhodia
• Mrs. Okwaro Jacqueline K
• Dr. Moimett Shadrack Kiptanui
• Mr. Shurie Hassan Omar
• Mr. Wambui Peter Ndirangu
• Posthumous:
  1. Prof. Were Gideon Saulo
  2. Hon. Olentimama William Ronkorua

Entrepreneurship and Industry Heroes

This categorization highlights pioneering business leaders who have fostered national development, economic inclusion, and local capacity.

Honorees include co-founders of successful regional aviation fleets, creators of pharmaceutical manufacturing plants that reduce import reliance, and innovators transforming agricultural value chains.

• Mr. Col(Rtd) Hussein Ahmed Farah, CBS, DCO
• Dr. Kibicho Paul Mwangi
• Dr. Majevdia Hitan Chhagan
• Mr. Mohammed Major (rtd) Hussein Unshur
• Mr. Nganga Kepha kamau
• Mr. Nyachae Michael Moragia
• Mr. odhigo Joel Onditi
• Dr. Pamidimukkala Venkatta Sambasiva Rao
• Ms. Kinyua Mercy Mwende
• Mr. Mungai Nahason Kabiru
• Mr. Oriki Stephen Ong’ondo
• Mr. Kirwa Willy
• Mr. Kimwatan Albert

Environmental Conservation Heroes

This group recognizes individuals for outstanding dedication to restoring degraded landscapes, protecting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change.

Their contributions include planting tens of thousands of indigenous trees, advocating for vital forest systems and water catchments, and creating sustainable agroecology education models.

• Mr. Chesewew Gilbert John Chebet
• Ms. Ikal Angelei
• Mr. Kiplagat Hillary Kibiwott
• Mr. Moll Peter Fredrick
• Mrs. Musau Elizabeth Mukii
• Ms. Mutinda Nora Ndila
• Dr. Nicholas Mike Mwendwa
• Ms. Omanga Wendy
• Mr. Orina Mingate Dominic
• Mr. Sekento Gideon Tipaya
• Mr. Marrirmoi Hillary Kiprop Rutto
• Mr. Kangogo Rev. Fr. Edwin Kiplagat
• Posthumous:
  1. Mr. Michuki John Njoroge, EGH, MP

Human Rights Heroes

Nominees are distinguished for defending social justice, equality, and human dignity.

Honorees include advocates who champion the rights of children and persons with disabilities, support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), promote mental health awareness, and lead historic legal reforms for marginalized populations.

• Mr. Abdi Abdille Ali
• Ms. Chepkoech Margaret Mageso
• Ms. Chogo Lucie Chogo
• Mrs. Dafalla Zuleika Yusuf
• Mr. Meli Kenneth Kipyego
• Mr. Otom Selestine Akoth
• Mrs. Jeptoo Jacobeth
• Mr. Ibrahim Hafid Maalim
• Mrs. Mwaila Laura Maghuwa
• Posthumous:
  1. Prof. Mbai Crispin Odhiambo
  2. Sc. Nowrojee Pheroze Eruch

Indigenous Knowledge Heroes

Grounded in the protection, documentation, and intergenerational transmission of traditional practices and ancestral wisdom.

Nominees in this category preserve traditional beadwork, document Ameru indigenous beliefs, research marine conservation rituals, and protect community intellectual assets.

• Ms. Adupu Mercy Ekaran
• Mr. Birauka Agostine Mwaniki
• Dr. Taracha Evans Nabwera
• Mr. Arap Kisorio Augustine Kiptalam
• Mr. Akello Tony Ben Olang’
• Prof. Nthamburi Zablon John
• Ms. Ngorobi Caroline Nyawira

National Cohesion and Integration Heroes

Nominees are selected for their dedicated voluntary service to promote inclusion, social harmony, and peaceful coexistence.

Their efforts include bridging gaps between communities affected by ethnic conflicts, establishing sustainable livelihoods, and advocating for women’s leadership.

• Mr. Cheptoo Elias Kiprono
• Ms. Kurgat Salina Jemenjo
• Dr. Kipsoi Rev. David Kiptalai
• Mr. Khalif Abdirahman Abey
• Mr. Osman Gutu Wachu

Also Read: Millions Faith Cherotich, Edmund Serem and Other Kenya Commonwealth Games Medalists Will Earn

Peace-Making Heroes

Honorees in this field are recognized for mediating local and cross-border disputes, reducing insecurity, and fostering dialogue among diverse communities.

Their work includes drafting historic peace accords, coordinating local conflict reporting, and organizing long-distance peace advocacy walks to end banditry.

• Mr. Abdi Osman Matobe
• Mr. Isaack Galgalo
• Mr. Issak Adawa Edo
• Mr. Kassim Ibrahim Abdi
• Mr. Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi
• Mr. Mumin Mohamed Hassan
• Mr. Omar Ibrahim Abukar
• Mr. Akoule Enock Pyeko
• Mr. Chemweno Timothy Kipkorir
• Mr. Muoki Festus Muema
• Mr. Omar Dakane Karur
• Rev. Wario Bishop Daniel Qampicha
• Mr. PChumba Cosmas
• Mr. Were Elphas Andanje
• Mrs. Khalifa Khadija Fumo
• Mr. Mzee Bulle Hassan Osman
• Mr. Masidza Aggrey Hanning
• Mrs. Itinyanga Rose Namuli
• Hon. Chukulisa Adan
• Mr. Jillo Suleiman Wako
• Mr. Dabasso Salma
• Hon. Guyo Golicha Galgalo
• Posthumous:
  1. Mrs. Mire Fatuma Mohamed Mire, HSC, EBS
  2. Rev. Fr. Bett Allois Cheruiyot

Philanthropy Heroes

This category identifies individuals who employ personal and mobilized resources to uplift vulnerable communities and improve social welfare.

Honorees have established low-cost hospitals, built housing for widows, sponsored scholarships for needy students, and pioneered holistic healthy aging initiatives.

• Ms. Barsulah Jemutai Viola
• Mr. Bett Amos Kipngetich
• Ms. Dorcas Jackline Saleiyan
• Mr. Ghatauray Tejinder singh, OGW, HSC
• Mr. Gilani Shamsher
• Mr. Isacko Patrick Katelo
• Mr. Kitheka Jonah Kavyu
• Dr. Kodiango Reuben Oluoch
• Mrs. Olchurie Felicita Naetu
• Dr. Ramchandani Rani
• Mr. Rana Harshadray Popatlal
• Mrs. Riechi Jane Moraa Mogute
• Mr. Sheth Mishaal Shaileshkumar
• Mrs. Wal Jee Dolat Karim
• Ms. Chemirmir Magdalene Jelagat
• Mr. Indakwa Samuel Maero
• Mr. Chai Christopher
• Mr. Adan Kassim Farah
• Ms. Basiye Karen
• Mr. Nyakomitah Kenwilliams
• Amb. Shah Dhirajlal Nayalal
• Posthumous:
  1. Ms. Cecilia Wanjiku

Spiritual Leadership Heroes

This category honors individuals who provide moral instruction, faith-based guidance, and dedicated service to their communities.

Grounded in holistic development, nominees have built educational centers, provided pastoral counseling in correctional systems, promoted interfaith dialogue, and integrated financial literacy into community development.

• Rev. Fr. Fredrick Mutinda
• Mr. Mohamed Abdikeir
• Dr. Mukolwe Wanyangu Stanley
• Mr. Oriku Nehemiah Moriasi
• Mr. Sugal Abdi Hussein
• Mrs. Wanjiku Lucy
• Mr. Warfa Mohamed Osman
• Mr. Lisimba Evans Lugusa
• Rev. Fr. Macharia John Baptist Wageni
• Ms. Kotamraju Sujatha
• Dr. Kimaiyo Bishop Luka Cheriuot
• Posthumous:
  1. Rev. Muge Alexander Kipsang
  2. Dr. Steury Ernie

Also Read: Profile of Zipporah Gitonga, Kenyan Woman Named Among FAO’s 100 Women Heroes

Sports Heroes

Nominees are celebrated for athletic excellence, talent development, and sports administration.

This category recognizes world-record holders, continental champions, Paralympians, and dedicated coaches who have nurtured talent hubs to empower youth across marginalized counties

• Hon. Athman Hashim Kamau
• Ms. Atieno Janet
• Ms. Chemutai Rose
• Ms. Chepkoech Beatrice
• Ms. Cherono Mercy
• Mr. Cheruiyot Reynold Kipkorir
• Mr. Cheruiyot Timothy
• Mr. Kiarie Ruhiu Kevin
• Mr Kimani Travis Njoroge
• Mr. Koech Paul Kipsiele
• Kola Carolyne Anyango Ocholla
• Mr. Korir Barnaba Kipyego
• Mrs. Kwamasi Annedy Kundu
• Mr. Langat Robert Kibet
• Mr. Liboyi Francis Omukuba
• Mrs. Odemba Beldine Lilian Achieng
• Mrs. Odhiambo Sela Adikinyi
• Ms. Odira Lilian
• Mrs. Omondi Fasila Adhiambo
• Ms. Otieno Irene Anyango
• Mr. Sawe Sebastian Kimeru
• Mr. Serem Edmund
• Mr. Sigei William
• Mr. Wesonga Stephen Mapale
• Ms. Yegon Michelle Chepngetich

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