Jamhuri Day: Sifuna, Prince Indah, Sarah Hassan among Kenyans feted with presidential awards

Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna is among more than 500 Kenyans who were conferred national honours by President William Ruto on Thursday.

Conferment of the awards is a normal occurrence during national celebrations and is meant to honour Kenyans for the efforts they make to serve their country and others in various capacities.

Sifuna was one of 74 recipients of the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (First Class), awarded during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, following this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations at Uhuru Gardens.

The Order of the Burning Spear award is presented to public dignitaries, professionals and exemplary members of the public service.

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

Other honours conferred by the Head of State included the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH) and Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), among others.

Breakthrough Luo Ohangla musician Evance Ochieng Owino, popularly known as Prince Indah, was among those awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW), alongside actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Wairimu. They were part of 142 Kenyans who received the prestigious award.

The OGW award is presented to persons who have done outstanding service to the country in various capacities. It is often given to citizens who put their lives at risk for the good of the country.

The award is 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).

Several military personnel, civilians and professionals were presented with this award by President Ruto on Thursday.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was one of six Kenyans feted with the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H) award (Third Class), with the remaining five recipients all drawn from the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu was also feted with the Elder of the Golden Heart (E.G.H), the second category under the Order of the Golden Heart.

The award is often given to Deputy Presidents, 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.