Kibaki honours two Americans for their service

By Chris Wamalwa in US

President Kibaki has awarded the ‘Head of State Commendation’ to two residents of Atlanta, Georgia in US.

In a colourful ceremony at the weekend, Kenya’s ambassador to the US, Mr Peter Ogego presented the awards to Dr Benson Karanja of Bullah Heights University and Bishop Eddie Long of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church on behalf of the President for their service to Kenyans.

Mr Ogego said the Government appreciated the humanitarian efforts spearheaded by the two.

"These awards are a true testimony that the President recognises your public outreach ministries through which many Kenyan needy families have benefited," he said.

Bishop Long and Karanja became two of only five individuals to receive the prestigious award, the highest civilian honour by a Kenyan President.

Long recounted how he had fallen in love with Kenya.

"The Kenyan people are friendly and loving. It is not surprising that our President (Barack Obama) traces his roots from Kenya," he said.