Raila, Pio Gama Pinto Feature as Gov’t Names 2026 National Hero Nominees

The government has proposed former Prime Minister Raila Odinga and late independence-era activist Pio Gama Pinto among Kenyans to be declared national heroes in 2026. 

According to the nominees list released on Wednesday, September 2, Raila is being recognised posthumously for his contribution to statesmanship, patriotism and constitutional reform.  

The government highlighted his role in the struggle for multiparty democracy in the 1990s, his tenure as Prime Minister between 2008 and 2013, and his advocacy for electoral justice, inclusivity and the rights of marginalised communities.

Pio Gama Pinto is being honoured posthumously for his role in Kenya's liberation struggle, democratic development and advancement of social justice. 

The government also recognises his work as a journalist and political activist, particularly his use of journalism to promote political mobilisation, workers' rights, equality and resistance to colonial rule.

Under Statesmanship, the government recognises former Cabinet Secretary and diplomat Amb. Amina Mohammed Chawahir, alongside former Attorney General Prof. Githu Muigai, who is recognised for his contribution to democracy and constitutional and legal reforms.

Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) Governor Dr. Kamau Thugge is recognised for his contribution to economic governance, currency stability and public service, while former Senate Speaker Ekwe Ethuro is recognised for his contribution to governance, democracy, peacebuilding, devolution and the interests of marginalised and pastoralist communities.

The Music and Performing Arts category features a broad range of musicians, actors, cultural performers, arts financiers, educators and industry leaders. 

The nominees are Chebet Joyce Langat, Chemosi Ben Kaye, Chepangelo Beatrice Lagat, Gatitu Stephen, Kiratu Christopher David Mwaura, Lumbukeni Harry Dingo, Makobi Timona, Minishi Oliver, Munene Onesmus Kamau, Mutune Victor Mbuvi, Nakali Elisha Vitolo, Ndiema Tony Alfred, Omamu Isaac Mugunda, Dr. Yusuf Noah, Limo Joshua Kendagor, Kararahe John Gatuguta, Njambi George Gachara, Esmail Mohamed Afzal, Bii Cosmas Kipkemo, Okwach Nicholas, Nduma Adrian Kinyua, Mabwa Savane Krysteen, Anuanga Fernando and Otiato Maureen Achieng'.

The category also includes Ian Mbugua and Raphael Kipchamba Arap Tapotuk, who are recognised for their enduring contributions to Kenya's performing arts and music.

The Cultural Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge category brings together nominees recognised for preserving Kenya's traditions, indigenous knowledge, cultural practices and heritage.

They are Dr. Ambeva Edward Esanyia, Atemba Nemwel Mishael Mogere, Kakati Collins Mukambe, Keis Moses Leonard, Kipsang Veronicah Yegoh, Mann Rhodia, Okwaro Jacqueline K, Dr. Moimett Shadrack Kiptanui, Shurie Hassan Omar, Wambui Peter Ndirangu, Adupu Mercy Ekaran, Birauka Agostine Mwaniki, Dr. Taracha Evans Nabwera, Arap Kisorio Augustine Kiptalam, Akello Tony Ben Olang' and Prof. Nthamburi Zablon John.

The Spiritual Leadership category includes representatives from different religious traditions and communities.

The nominees are Rev. Fr. Fredrick Mutinda, Mohamed Abdikeir, Dr. Mukolwe Wanyangu Stanley, Oirku Nehemiah Moriasi, Sugal Abdi Hussein, Wanjiku Lucy, Warfa Mohamed, Lisimba Evans Lugusa, Rev. Fr. Macharia John Baptist Wageni, Kotamraju Sujatha and Dr. Kimaiyo Bishop Luka Cheriout.

The list also includes the late Bishop Alexander Kipsang Muge, who is recognised posthumously for his Christian leadership, service to society and advocacy against corruption, tribalism and injustice.

The Environmental Conservation category recognises nominees for efforts in environmental protection, restoration and sustainable development.

They are Chesewe Gilbert Chebet John, Musau Elizabeth Mukii, Mutinda Nora Ndila, Dr. Nicholas Mike Mwendwa, Omanga Wendy, Orina Mingate Dominic, Sekento Gideon Tipaya, Marrimoi Hillary Kiprop Rutto and Rev. Fr. Kangogo Edwin Kiplagat.

The category also features the late Hon. Michuki John Njoroge recognised for his environmental conservation efforts, including work associated with the Mau Forest and Nairobi River.

The Human Rights category features Abdi Abdille Ali, Chepkoech Margaret Mageso, Chogo Lucie Chogo, Dafalla Zuleika Yusuf, Meli Kenneth Kipyego and Otom Selestine Akoth for their work in disability rights, children's rights, protection of women and girls, prevention of sexual and gender-based violence and broader human rights advocacy.

Beyond Pio Gama Pinto, the Liberation Struggle category features several nominees recognised posthumously for their roles in Kenya's resistance and liberation history.

They are Leaduma Kaldojan Oledume, Hon. Kebaso John, Rev. Apindi Ezekiel, Kamau Waira wa, Kiama Stanley Muigai, M'nthigai Sammuel Mburia, Mbiuki Eusebiu Baikunya, Ngumburu Mwaniki and Kiguru Wambaki wa.

The National Cohesion and Peacebuilding category has the largest group of nominees, reflecting efforts to promote reconciliation, community development, dialogue and peaceful coexistence across different parts of the country.

Those proposed under the category are Cheptoo Elias Kiprono, Kurgat Salina Jemeno, Dr. Kipsoi Rev. David Kiptalai, Khalif Abidrahman Abey, Osman Gutu Wachu, Abdi Osman Matobe, Kassim Ibrahim Abdi, Mohamed Abdullahi Abdi, Mumin Mohamed Hassan, Omar Ibrahim Abukar, Akoule Enock Pyeko, Chemweno Timothy Kipkorir, Muoki Festus Muema, and Omar Dakane Karur.

Others are Rev. Wario Bishop Daniel Qampicha, P. Chumba Cosmas, Were Elphas Andanje, Khalifa Khadija Fumo, Mzee Bulle Hassan Osman, Masidza Aggrey Hanning, Itinyanga Rose Namuli, Hon. Chukulisa Adan, Jillo Suleiman Wako, Dabasso Salma and Hon. Guyo Golicha Galgalo.

The Philanthropy and Community Service category recognises individuals for contributions to healthcare, education, humanitarian work, disability support, gender advocacy and community development.

The nominees are Kitheka Jonah Kavyu, Dr. Kodiango Reuben Oluoch, Olchurie Felicita Naetu, Dr. Ramchandani Rani, Rana Harshadray Popatlal, Riechi Jane Moraa Mogute, Sheth Mishaal Shaileshkumar, Wal Jee Dolat Karim, Chemirmir Magdalene Jelagat, Indakwa Samuel Maero, Chai Christopher, Adan Kassim Farah, Basiye Karen, Nyakomita Kenwilliams and Cecilia Wanjiku.

The Scholarship, Professionalism and Research category includes educators, scientists, researchers, medical professionals, archivists, journalists and other experts whose work has contributed to education, research, innovation and professional development.

The nominees are Abdi Abikar, Kwoko Irene Koli, Dr. Mutungi Glory Kambaja, Chemoiwa Sammy Kipkemo, Dr. Kuto Luka Yano, Mburu Martha Wanjiru, Muroki Henry Mwiki, Mwaniki Marion Mukenyi, Otieno Leonard Oduor, Prof. Ratemo Waya Michieka, Prof. Richard Kiprono Mibey, Prof. White Russell Eli, Omollo Elizabeth Anyango, Dr. Akola John Otieno, Dr. Onsando James Micah, Dr. Njoroge Jane Gakenia, Musila Musembi, Dr. Ajwang Benard Onyango, Prof. Maitai Charles Karimi, Okello Peter Wasonga, Prof. Akama John Sorana, Dr. Bita Caesar, Salome Jepkosgei Kiplagat, Sir Minge Robert Mokaya, Dr. Kagombe David Maina and Prof. Wandiga Shem Oyoo.

The category also includes the late Prof. Bethwell Allan Ogot and Prof. Calestous Juma, who are recognised posthumously for their contributions to African historiography, higher education, science, innovation and sustainable development.

Chief Odera Akango Ruoth is also listed posthumously for his transformative leadership and contribution to education.

The Sports category features athletes, coaches, administrators and sports leaders from athletics, football, chess, skating, para-sports, powerlifting, netball and karate.

The nominees are Atieno Janet, Chemutai Rose, Cherono Mercy, Cheruiyot Reynold Kipkorir, Kiarie Ruhiu Kevin, Kimani Travis Njoroge, Kola Carolyne Anyango Ocholla, Korir Barnaba, Langat Robert Kibet, Liboyi Francis Omukuba, Odemba Beldine Achieng Lilian, Odhiambo Sela Adikinyi, Odira Lilian, Omondi Fasila Adhiambo, Otieno Irene Anyango, Serem Edmund, Sigei William, Wesonga Stephen Mapale and Yegon Michelle Chepngetich.

The Sports category also includes the previously listed Beatrice Chepkoech, Timothy Cheruiyot, Sebastian Sawe Kimeru and Paul Kipsiele Koech, who are being recognised for their outstanding achievements in international athletics.

The Governance, Democracy and Public Service category includes Hon. Khalif Ahmed Mohamed, Dr. Omamo William Odongo, Chief (rtd) Chimutani Clement Kawere and Hon. Morara George Justus, alongside the previously highlighted nominees in the category.