By Lauryne Akoth
The government’s spokesperson Dr Isaac Mwaura and Pastor Dorcas Rigathi have been feted in a prestigious award ceremony held in Eldoret town.
Dr. Stanley Michuki, Bishop Zablon Malema, and Eli Rop served as hosts for the Hero and Heroine Awards. These awards aim to recognize individuals who have excelled in both public service and within the church, acknowledging achievements that have often been overlooked for years.
Dr. Isaac Mwaura received the Heroes of Faith Award from the Heroes of Faith Foundation for his exemplary service in and out of public service. He becomes the youngest nominee to be nominated by the Christian-based foundation that takes the initiative to award long-service champions who give back to society.
Dr Isaac Mwaura was recognized for his outstanding fight for human rights in Kenya, particularly for the marginalized group. Speaking during the ceremony, he highlighted some of the achievements in his fight for the rights of marginalized groups.
” I have been able to increase the age for persons with disabilities, now they retire at 65 years. The currency you have in your pocket is friendly to those who are visually impaired because of my work. NYS currently accepts individuals with disabilities because of my work,” stated Mwaura
Mwaura additionally acknowledged the tireless efforts of Bishop Dr. Stanley Michuki in organizing the first of such awards in the country, honoring men and women of faith.
“You have shown great tenacity and brilliance just like your brother the late John Michuki. I faced rejection from my father from birth, when he said ‘In our family, we do not have children who look like a pig.’ But I had grandparents who spoke into my life because I was very talkative, and believed I would become a leader,” said the Government Spokesman.
He recounted his previous endeavors advocating for individuals with albinism and promoting their education, oblivious to the fact that he would eventually emerge as the government’s primary communication figure.
Pastor Dorcas Rigathi was similarly honored among 26 leaders in the church and community for her contributions.
She was bestowed with the Transformative Leadership Award in recognition of her dedication to championing the cause of the vulnerable and spearheading initiatives aimed at improving their circumstances.
“I decided that I would make God bankrupt by reaching out to the vulnerable. I know we cannot make Him bankrupt, but He tells us, that He will owe debt to anyone who helps the widow, orphans, and the vulnerable, and I decided to be one of them,” said Pastor Dorcas in her acceptance speech.
She also acknowledged the 22 years of support of her husband, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, over her work since she became an ordained minister.
“I am struggling to imagine what would have happened in our nation if Mututho had not played his part in fighting alcoholism. Let us change our language and give our children in the streets and those lost in alcoholism better names,” she added.
Former MP John Mututho was also recognized for his efforts in fighting alcoholism in the nation, leaving behind a legacy of ‘Mututho laws’ and ‘Masaa ya Mututho’, which most Kenyans identify with as fighting excessive drinking hours.
“75 times in the Holy Bible, and 17 times in the Holy Quran, we are told not to take something alcoholic. 92 times in the two Holy Books, we are told to observe the Mututho hours,” said Mututho.
He went ahead to pledge his support for Pastor Dorcas’ boy child empowerment program against alcohol, drugs, and substance abuse.
Other leaders who were feted at the ceremony include Archbishop Dr. Arthur Kitonga, Bishop Dr. Henry Mulandi, Bishop Dr. Margaret Wangari, Bishop Dr. Washington Ngede, Bishop Dr. William Tuimising, Bishop Dr. Wilson Mamboleo, Hon. Dr. Silas Yego, Bishop Dr. Patrick Mungai and Rev Dr. Macmillan Kiilu.
Dr. Grace Manjao, Bishop Dr. Gerry Kibarabara, Bishop Dr. Armstrong Chege, Bishop Dr. Isaac Wawire, Prof. Dr. Nathan Kahara, Bishop Dr. Mophat Kilioba, Bishop Dr. Eli Rop, Bishop Dr. Stanley Michuki (Chair of the Awards) Prof Charles Mully, Apostle Kimani William, Bishop Dr. Zablon Malema, Rev. Dr. Mary Njaramba, Rev. Dr. Judy Mbugua and Bishop Dr. Jackson Kosgei were also in the line-up.
