Honour heroes when they are still alive

As Kenyans celebrated the 7th Mashujaa Day under the 2010 Constitution, Africa’s celebrated afro-fusion icon, music judge and mentor Lydia Achieng Abura took the final bow. Achieng, may her soul rest in eternal peace, won many hearts throughout the country and beyond, with her soulful sound and innovative lyrics. She asserted her music prowess at the inaugural Tusker Project Fame where she was a leading judge. She was a mentor to hundreds of artistes in Kenya and beyond; Achieng pulled large crowds of fans wherever she staged her riveting music shows.

She was, without doubt, an accomplished and celebrated entertainer as evidenced by the dozens of awards she received. Sadly, on her last days Achieng fought a solitary battle; snubbed by the authorities, corporate organisations and the thousands of fans she worked with in good health. And as the songbird rests in peace, her son is battling a disease and staring at a bleak future with no sufficient money and support to cater for his treatment. This cannot be the way that Kenyans treat and celebrate their heroes and heroines. What is the role of the government appointed team tasked with the noble cause of identifying national heroes? Was the team aware of Achieng Abura’s struggles? And if they did, what did they do? What did fellow Kenyans, the fans who loved Achieng’s songs, do to help their star?