Parliament Opens Public Submissions on National Honours Nominees

By Collins Tobiko

Kenyans have until Monday, October 13, 2025, to submit their views or objections to Parliament regarding Members of Parliament and parliamentary staff nominated for conferral of national honours ahead of the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations.

With less than two weeks to the national holiday, public debate has intensified over who deserves to be recognized in this year’s prestigious awards.

Parliament recently published the names of 60 individuals, including 46 legislators—35 Members of the National Assembly and 11 Senators—nominated by the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee.

Among those listed are Tiaty MP William Kamket Kassait, Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, Mt. Elgon MP Fred Kapondi Chesebe, and Sirisia MP John Waluke Koy.

Some of the nominees have previously faced legal or ethical scrutiny, raising concerns about the vetting process.

Kamket has been questioned by security agencies over insecurity in the North Rift, while Barasa was acquitted in 2022 after facing a murder charge.

Waluke was cleared by the Court of Appeal after being convicted of fraud by a lower court, and Kapondi has in the past been charged with incitement to violence, though he was not convicted.

According to the National Honours Act, individuals eligible for state honours must have made exemplary contributions to the betterment of national or county governments, the Executive, the Judiciary, the Legislature, or independent commissions.

The law also recognizes citizens who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as governance, education, science, business, public administration, sports, and security.

Meanwhile, some Kenyans have taken to social media to express dissatisfaction with the nomination list. On Facebook, Pastor Feli Destiny Okaalo questioned the credibility of the process, writing:

“Just to ask, is it a must for politicians to be honoured? If yes, what have these three guys done to deserve this precious honour? In Kenya, jokes are too much.”