Sen Esther Okenyuri during a past meeting at the Senate Chambers. Photo/File
The young and brilliant UDA Nominated Senator has moved with speed and her presence has been felt after she staged a bill on the Senate floor to recognize gusii heroism.
National Heroes Council now is considering a monument in Manga, Kitutu, or Kisii town to honor Abagusii’s prophetess and medicine woman, Moraa Ng’iti.
The Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife and Heritage plans to create a County Heroes Square in Kisii County, where all liberation heroes from the region will be honoured through monuments and permanent and seasonal thematic exhibitions.
The Council has responded o Senator Esther Okenyuri’s request for a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Labour and Social Welfare regarding the neglect and marginalization of the Abagusii Community’s role in the fight for independence.
Okenyuri has called for the recognition of Abagusii community heroes and heroes in the National Archives and the inclusion of them in the school curriculum.
The Council’s request for an enhancement fund of Sh20 million from the National Treasury is appreciated.
The Kenya Constitution 2010 acknowledges that the cultural activities and identities of various Kenyan communities have contributed to Kenya’s modern nationhood, and the heroism of the men and women who defended and promoted the welfare of their communities during the pre-colonial period could be considered inspiration for the struggle for Kenya’s independence.
In a statement she thanked the National Heroes Council for giving a positive response her request of having Abagusii Community Heroes and Heroines in the struggle of independence led by Moraa Ng’iti among others recognized and featured in our National Archives and School curriculum as a National Heroes and Heroines just like the likes of Mekatilili Wamenza of Giriama Community.
“This is a step towards connecting with our past and that surely motivates us thereby dictating our future.” Sen Okenyuri writes.
She adds “National Heroes Council has placed a request for enhancement fund from the National treasury amounting to Ksh 20 Million within the financial year 2023/2024.”
