A Bungoma-based Kenyan military officer and reknown physician are among the dozens of individuals who were feted by an international body.
The prestigious gala, which took place at Siri Tamu Resort in Bungoma town, saw Corporal Edwin Wekoba scoop the Youth Add Value Recognition Award presented by the UN Envoy Dr. Reuben West.
The Monday 29th November, 2021 event aimed at recognizing individuals who have played pivotal role to bring a change in the society.
For Instance, Corporal Wekoba was feted for his role in impacting postive change in the young generation through his charity leadership foundation.
Survived a bomb attack while defending Kenya against the al Shabaab militants in Somalia in 2018, many doubted the former football goalkeeper’s chances of survival as the bomb blew up all his feet from the knees downwards.
Wekoba had to spend three months in the ICU but when he came back with all his legs amputated below the knees, the military officer chose to start a leadership programme that encourages young Keyans to embrace a postive change in life through holding football tournaments.
“This is a very special award to me and I thank God, my bosses in the army for the support and the media for highlighting my story. iChange Nations are doing a great job,” said the Presidential Silver Award recepient, in an interview with WakajuanessLive.Com
On his side, Dr. Amin Sheikh Ali of Elgon View Cottage Hospital in Bungoma was recognised with the Community Ambassador award for his exemplary efforts in providing quality healthcare to the community.
His counterpart Dr. Isaac Omeri of Khalaba Hospital, was not left behind as he was awarded the Regional MOH Award.
Business tycoons Kenneth Munene popularly known as M-Big and Salama Bakery Director Jamal “Muli” Hamed were also feted with Community Ambassador and Messenger of Hope awards respectivey.
Salama Bakery Director Jamal “Muli” Hamed (centre) displays his Messenger of Hope Award during the gala. On the right is iChange Nations Special Envoy Dr. Ruben West, Dr. Maria Nato and Dr. Juma Nasion on the left. PHOTO/COURTESY
Others on the list were former Bumula MP Wakoli Bifwoli and former Royal Media journalist Bonny Wayne Nyongesa.
This was the first time I Change Nations were devolving their awards in Kenya, acknowledging individuals at County level.
Others expected on the list include the Miss Tourism Bungoma crown girl Joyce Nasambu who is running the #DisIsNotInability initiative that aims at achieving quality education for children living with disabilities and Blogger Simiyu Wakajuaness who runs an online campaign dubbed #NoQuitting initiative that urges people not to commit suicide and instead, open up to close friends whenever they feel that something is depressing them down..
Below is the list and their corresponding awards.
- Dr. Amin Ali Sheikh – Community Ambassador Award
- Mr. Augustine Nyongesa Watamba – Regional MOH Award
- Mr. Chrisantus Wamalwa Regional Statesman
- Ms. Emily Machuma Walumbe – Regional MOH Award
- Mr. Erick Ajuku Oleket – Community Ambassador
- Ms. Evelyn Wekesa – Civility Imprint Award
- Dr. Isaac Omeri – Regional MOH Award
- Ms. Janepher Chemtai Mbatiany – Community ambassador
- Ms. Jessica Simiyu – Distinguished Leadership
- Justice Isaac Wambilianga – Regional Statesman
- Mr. Kenneth Munene – Community Ambassador
- Mr. Maurice Makhanu – Civility Award
- Mr. Patel Dakhshesh Kumar – Regional Statesmen
- Mr.Patrick Nabiswa Koyi Distinguished Leadership
- Mr. Priver Wekesa Toywa – Distinguished Leadership
- Mr. Richard Jesome Wasike – Regional Statesmen
- Ms. Ruth Nanyama Barasa – Community Ambassador
- Ms. Ruth P. Awino Atwa – Thrive
- Mama Sahra Hirsi Ali – Regional MOH Award
- Mr. Samuel Mambonga Wafula – Community Ambassador
- Hon. Wakoli Bifwoli – Regional Statesman/Distinguished
- Bishop James Wasike Murunga – Christian Leadership Award
- Mr. Jamal Hamed Mohammed – Messenger of Hope
- Rev. Herman Kasili – Distinguished Leadership Award
- Mr. Boniface Wayne Nyongesa- Civility Imprint Award
- Colonel Tom Wanambisi – Regional Statesman
- Mr.Chris Makokha Murai Messenger of Hope
- Corporal Edwine Wekoba – Youth Add Value Recognition Award
The awards were given in recognition of their commitment and dedication to impacting lives in the community.
iChange Nations recognises individuals and organisations throughout the world who have exemplified extraordinary humanitarian efforts that effectively change nations.
Dr. Ruben West was appointed Special Envoy for iChange Nations™ in 2019 by the organization’s President and founder Dr. Clyde Rivers.
Dr. West carries out his global mandate by identifying deserving individuals and submitting them to the organization for award consideration.