CELEBRATING OUR HEROES OF ALL TIMES- MASHUJAA DAY!

Who is a hero? Who is your hero?  These two questions are prevalent especially today in Kenyan context where we are actually celebrating Mashujaa Day. This day is meant to recognize the exceptional and uniquely-identified acts and efforts that were done by individuals from different diversities and fields who transcended beyond set boundaries to make Kenya a better place to be.

Since we gained our independence, Kenya as a country has undergone drastic transformation with regard to the leadership that has been portrayed over years. The act of heroism was at first displayed by our freedom fighters the Mau Mau being led by Dedan Kimathi. In Kenya, the freedom that we are actually enjoying is highly attributed to their relentless and indomitable determination which ultimately made them become vanquishers.

When my mind was crisscrossing on the heroes that Kenya has been endowed with, they actually range from a list of politicians, economists, investors, writers, artists without forgetting our sports champions and our spiritual leaders.

In the field of politics, the late Tom Mboya, who is one of the most celebrated Kenyan leader was comes out explicitly as a hero. Having championed for Kenya’s independence and being a trade unionist, he pioneered formation of labor organizations which now is represented by Central Organization of Trade Union (COTU) that advocates for the rights of civil servants.

The owner of Capital FM and chairman of Centum Investments, Chris Kirubi is definitely a hero when it comes to investment. The industrialist, entrepreneur and philanthropist icon has proved beyond doubt that if your investment is more than what you spend, you can achieve immensely. He is indeed a source of emulation to many young investors.

When we consider nature and environment conservation, my mind tickles to our own best, the late Prof. Wangari Maathai. The environmentalist who was the first woman in Africa to receive the Nobel Peace tirelessly advocated for tree planting and doing the “little things” that can change the society which for her was conserving environment.

Sportsmen such as David Rudisha, the 800m champion and Ezekiel Kemboi who is the defending champion of 3000m steeplechase have inculcated some sense of inspiration and emulation. This is not only to the novice in the field of sports but also to those who want to pursue it at professional level.

A musician also like Stella Mwangi (STL) who is Kenyan-Norwegian has still expressed her love for home country Kenya through her music making her a role model to many upcoming musicians. Personalities in music industry like Nameless (David Mathenge), Nonini, Jua Cali, Susana Owiyo, Wahu, Daddy Owen Mercy Masika among others have continuously rejuvenated our energy with the rhythms and amazing songs.

Actually, the list is endless but I believe that each one of us has that hero in the core of our hearts. Without forgetting, I believe that our parents or guardians are the greatest heroes from the time they started nurturing us, instilling good discipline unto us and giving us an opportunity to grow and be who we are. As we celebrate this day we should not forget to remember those who have touched our hearts in a greater way.