Radio host Adelle Onyango.[Photo/buzzkenya]
As we celebrate the New Year, we remember several Kenyans from different backgrounds who proved last year that individual positive actions can be an extraordinary catalyst for change in the society. Their contributions to the community through kind deeds, ideas and resources have had ripple effect on the entire community
Kilonzo Mwalua.
Nicknamed the ‘Elephant Guardian’, Patrick went to great lengths to provide drinking water to thirsty wild animals in Tsavo West National Park during the drought experienced in the country in early 2017.
A resident of the area, Mwalua felt a need to step in to avoid deaths of wildlife, especially the elephants due to water shortage. He resorted to buying water and ferrying it to the park in a rented truck to quench the thirsty animals.
Adelle Onyango
Named among the top 100 BBC most inspirational and innovative women 2017, Adelle has been actively involved in young women empowerment and vocal against cyberbullying.
Adelle has been at the receiving end of cyberbullying a couple of times, but instead of wallowing in self-pity, the radio presenter has used her experiences to offer support to victims. She has also been running an online campaign against rape as a survivor.
Despite the digital violence meted against her, Adelle has risen up to become an inspiration to young people through social activism.
Policeman and headteacher
A photo of two men wading through floods to deliver exam papers to Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education candidates doing rounds on social media won the hearts of Kenyans.
Along’o George Mutwiri, headteacher Lairuba Day Secondary School, Meru and police officer James Ngugi Chege walked through the flooded waters barefoot to deliver exam papers on the third day of the KCSE exam.
Their dedication did not go unnoticed as the Cabinet secretary Fred Matiang’i applauded them and issued a directive for them to receive a recognition award.