President William Ruto has conferred national awards and honours on a distinguished list of Kenyans, including Dr. Pratt Kristina Kenyatta and Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati, in recognition of their exceptional service to the country.
The awards, published in a Special Gazette Notice dated December 11, 2025, highlight outstanding contributions across military, civil, political, judicial, religious, and professional sectors.
In the notice, President Ruto announced conferment of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the Order of the Burning Spear, the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), Silver Star (S.S.) of Kenya, Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.), and Head of State’s Commendation (H.S.C.).
“IN RECOGNITION of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities, I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, confer Awards and Honours to the following persons,” the notice reads.
The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya
Among those awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), one of the highest civilian honours, is former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s sister Dr. Pratt Kristina Kenyatta, recognised for her longstanding contributions to public service and philanthropy.
She is the immediate former chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the National Fund for the Disabled of Kenya, a position she served for 23 years until September 2025 since her appointment on January 8, 2002.
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Also honoured is Attorney General Oduor Dorcas Agik, Environment Cabinet Secretary Dr. Deborah Barasa Mulongo, Trade CS Lee Kinyanjui, ICT CS William Kabogo , Narok Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu and Chairman and Trustee of the Jaffer Foundation Charitable Trust Dr. Jaffer Mohamed Husein.
In the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.) category, senior military leadership featured prominently, with Kenya Air Force Commander Maj. Gen. Waliaula Bernard and Kenya Army Commander Lt. Gen. David Kipkemboi Ketter receiving national recognition for their service in the Defence Forces.
Order of the Burning Spear
The Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), the highest class under this order, honoured several key national figures.
These included Uzima University founding Chancellor Most Rev. Zacchaeus Okoth, the late former IEBC Chair Wafula Chebukati’s widow Mrs. Mary Wanyonyi Chebukati, and Rarieda Member of Parliament Otiende Amollo.
Nominated Senators Tabitha Mutinda, Catherine Muyeka Mumma and Veronica Maina, MPs Didmus Wekesa Barasa, Samuel Atandi, John Waluke, William Kamket, Nicholas Tindi Mwale, and Rozaah Akinyi Buyu were also named to the prestigious list.
Others named included Narok Senator Ledama Olekina, Prof. Erustus Kanga Mutembei, Olympic Champion Beatrice Chebet and Director-General of Health Dr. Patrick Amoth. The military was also represented through the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the Eastern Command (EASTCOM) Maj. Gen. Luka Kipkemoi Kutto.
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The Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) honoured senior judicial and diplomatic officials such as Justice Kanyi Kimondo, Justice George Vincent Odunga, renowned state prosecutor Kioko Kilukumi, and diplomat Amb. Koki Muli Grignon.
The list also included KCA University Vice Chancellor Prof. Isaiah Wakindiki and senior military officer Brig. Apollo Ogola Aloka.
In the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), notable awardees included Lady Justice Lucy Nyambura Gacheru, Justice Roselyne Aburili, and Chief Government Pathologist Dr. Johansen Oduor. Other distinguished names included Amb. Grace Okara, scholar Prof. Elijah Martim Songok, and Col. (Dr.) Sila Kisingu.
Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.) of Kenya
The Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.) highlighted both military and civilian excellence. Prominent recipients included Maj. Douglas Wanjohi Mwangi, Prof. Esther Ndaisi Kioko, and senior public health expert Dr. Mary Clare Kidenda. Dr. Philomena Akoth Owende and Dr. Caroline Kathure Gatobu were also celebrated.
Uniformed services were strongly represented, with honours going to Brig. Joseph Douglas Mokwena, Lt. Col. Justyne Akeyo Makwata, and Lt. Col. Daniel Mulindo Baraza.
The National Police Service also featured through senior officers such as SSP Samuel Mwiti Murithi and CP William Kiptoo Sawe.
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