Opposition leader Raila Odinga was one of the African leaders who were awarded by Voice Achievers team at National Museums on Monday.
Mr Odinga, who doubles as ODM leader, received the Democracy Award, which was received on his behalf by Ambassador Josephine Ojiambo who received the Lifetime Achievers Award.
Uganda’s Eva Nakato was in tears as she narrated how her sister was almost lynched for advocating for the rights of HIV positive people.
Her compatriot and Opposition Leader Kizza Besigye (pictured) was exuberant as he received the Africa Hero award for his incessant and indefatigable fight for democratic space in Uganda.
“We thank you for supporting what we do. It is only through the Almighty that I have survived the kind of things I and my supporters are subjected to,” he said as he introduced his son and wife Winifred Karagwa Byanyima.
Deputy President William Ruto was the chief guest in the ceremony. He presented awards to those who were recognized. Mr Odinga is currently in Indonesia.
He thanked Ambassador Rev Elvis for choosing Kenya as the first venue for the Pan African annual event that seeks to recognise individuals and organisations that have made a difference in Africa.
Elvis congratulated winners and said: “We are proud of our winners today and we hope they will get the impetus to continue doing what they are going to make a difference in the continent.”
Mr Odinga has been awarded severally on his role towards advocating for institutional changes in Africa. He is among those who fought for pluralism in Kenya.
During the process in 80s and early 90s, Raila was detained without trial in various prisons among them Shimo La Tewa, Manyani and Kamiti.
He has contested for presidency four times and claimed victory thrice. Last year, he reconciled with President Uhuru Kenyatta after closely contested 2017 polls.