Politicians get lion share of awards at Jamhuri Day celebrations

Out of 402 people who got the State commendation yesterday during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, only two sports personalities featured in the list.

This is despite Kenyan sportsmen and women standing out at the national and global stage this year.

There were expectations that Technical University student chess player Sasha Mwongeli could be among the awardees.

Mwongeli won the Women Fide Master (WFM) award during the world Olympiad in Batum Georgia this year despite it being her first time. She won seven out of her eight games.

Another who many thought would feature in the list is Sabrina Wanjiku who put Kenya on the world map by taking part in the Winter Olympics held in Pyeong Chang, South Korea in February.

Despite qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations after a 15 year wait, no Harambee Stars player was recognised for state commendation. Stars have also been shortlisted by CAF for Team of the Year award.

Uhuru also ignored Beatrice Chepkoech who was in the final list of the IAAF athlete of the year awards having set the 3,000m steeplechase world record.

Chepkoech shattered the women’s 3,000m world record in July this year in Monaco.

Some Kenyans on social media also thought another World record holder Eliud Kipchoge should have been in the list yesterday, but credit to the president as Kipchoge was in the list that was feted during the Mashujaa celebrations held in Kakamega County in October.

Instead President Uhuru Kenyatta has opted to mainly recognise politicians with a number of Governors making it on the list for various awards.

Boxer Blackmoses Mathenge and athlete Joyciline Jepkosgei who serve in Kenya Defence Forces.

Mathenge won gold medal during the African Millitary boxing held in Algeria while Jepkosgei broke four world records.