Magistrate fatally shot at work among 500 Kenyans honoured by Ruto

The late Makadara Law Courts Magistrate Monica Njeri Kivuti, who was fatally shot by a police officer at her workplace, was among more than 500 Kenyans conferred national honours by President William Ruto during the Jamhuri Day celebrations on Thursday.

The awards, which are a regular feature of national celebrations, aim to recognise Kenyans for their outstanding contributions to the nation in various capacities.

The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (OGH) is the highest honour bestowed by the Kenyan Government.

Magistrate Kivut1i, along with Luo Ohangla musician Evance Ochieng Owino, popularly known as Prince Indah, and actresses Sarah Hassan and Brenda Wairimu, were awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW).

They were part of 142 individuals who received the honour for their exceptional service to the nation.

The OGW is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated bravery or provided remarkable service to the country.

The late Makadara Principal Magistrate Monica Kivuti who was shot dead on June 13, 2024. (Photo: Handout)

It is classified into three categories: Chief, Elder, and Moran. Other honours include the Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO), Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star, and the President’s Commendation for both military and civilian divisions.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja was among six individuals awarded the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH), a third-class honour. The remaining recipients in this category were members of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF).

Deputy Chief Justice Philomena Mwilu received the Elder of the Golden Heart (EGH), the second-class honour in the Order of the Golden Heart. This category is traditionally reserved for high-ranking officials such as Deputy Presidents, Speakers of Parliament, Cabinet Secretaries, and senior military personnel.

Other recipients of various honours included Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, Trade Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya, and Nuh Junet Sheikh.

Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga was conferred the First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear. Ingonga was recently elected as President of the Africa Prosecutors’ Association (APA) during its annual meeting in July 2024.

In addition, 73 eminent Kenyans were awarded the First Class Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear. Among them were Konza Technopolis CEO Kipchumba Tanui, Public Works Principal Secretary Joel Psimatwa, Environment and Climate Change Principal Secretary Festus Ng'eno, and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

The Second Class Order of the Burning Spear was awarded to 65 individuals, while the Third Class Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear was conferred on 113 people. A total of 142 Kenyans received the Order of the Grand Warrior.

The Silver Star of Kenya was awarded to 19 individuals, while the Head of State’s Commendation (HCS) was presented to 141 military personnel and 67 civilians.

National honours in Kenya are awarded by the President upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee.

The process involves nominations from district committees, government ministries, non-governmental organisations, religious institutions, and private individuals. The awards recognise distinguished or outstanding service rendered to the nation in various roles.