Top 5 heroes who made Kenyans proud in 2017

The year 2017, may have been a tumultuous one for many Kenyans, but there are also some enchanting stories of great achievers, who memories Kenyans will carry over into the New Year.

Here are a few of them:

1. Goldalyn Kakuya – Her’s is undoubtedly the story of 2017.  She captured national attention late in the year after emerging the top candidate in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examinations.

The former St Anne Junior Lubao pupil beat all odds, including living with albinism, to score 455 out of a possible 500 marks.

For her brilliant performance, Goldalyn has since been celebrated all through, with several institutions pledging to meet her secondary education expenses.

A visit to State House and an invitation, as special guest, to a state luncheon to celebrate President Uhuru Kenyatta’s inauguration for a sceond term in office soon followed for the Goldalyn who will join Kenya High School in January.

2. John Paul Mwirigi – One of the few inspirational stories that came out of the turbulent and seemingly endless election circle of 2017 was that of a certain 23-year-old university student.

Mwirigi, a Bachelor of Education student at Mt Kenya University, won many hearts when he beat a host of seasoned and deep pocketed politicians to win the Igembe South parliamentary seat.

He garnered 18,867 votes, some 3,000 votes more than those garnered by his closest challenger. He also was the youngest elected MP and struck the country with his humility.

He didn’t own a car, and just days after his election victory he rode on a matatu to State House for a Jubilee parliamentary group meeting that was chaired by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

But good tidings soon came his way as the president gifted him with a brand new car, fulfilling a promise he had made after Mwirigi’s election victory.

3. Victor Muyakane – The Kenya Broadcasting Corporation journalist hogged international news headlines for his selfless act of bravery when he rescued a disabled street beggar from a swarm of bees that unleash terror on journalists and members of the public outside the Supreme Court during an election petition hearing on October 20.

When the bees struck, the disabled street beggar got caught in a death trap, and while Muyakane’s professional colleagues fled for dear life, he put his personal safety on the line by braving multiple bee stings as he scooped and whisked the distressed man to safety.

His dare devil heroics were captured in a series of photos, which would soon go viral on social media and the main stream news outlets.

“It was the most painful experience of my life,” the journalist would later tell Nairobi News.

On December 12, during Jamhuri Day, the journalist received a Head of State Commendation in recognition of his act of heroism.

4. Michael Olunga – From humble beginnings, Olunga has risen to line up against some of the big names in world football, including 5-time Balon d’Or winner, Lionel Messi, in the Spanish La Liga.

Olunga, formerly at Gor Mahia, Tusker and Thika United is arguably the best talent to emerge out of the Kenyan Premier League in recent years and his star can only shine brighter as he continues rubbing shoulders with the world’s best footballers.

His is a story of inspiration to many youthful Kenyan football players who struggle to receive adequate education but hope of making it to the grandest stage.

5. Gilad Milo – While the year 2017 was a productive one for many Kenyan artistes, the name Gilad Milo stands out. Gilad  He wowed many with his artistic skills, and then capped it off by winning a coveted award at the famed All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA). He claimed the Best Male Artiste in Inspirational music and Best Artiste in African Rock.

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