President Uhuru Kenyatta with Mama Sarah Obama at State House, Nairobi on April 11, 2017. Photo: PSCU
President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded honours to Deputy Chief Lady Justice Mwilu Mbete, Mama Sarah Obama and Otieno James Ngutu on Tuesday morning at State House Nairobi, in recognition of their distinguished and outstanding services to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
Lady Justice Philomena Mwilu who is the current Deputy Chief Justice and Vice President of the Supreme Court was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Golden heart (MGH) for her distinguished service rendered to the Nation.
Lady Justice Mwilu is an advocate of the High Court with over 32 years’ of experience in the legal profession. She was admitted as an advocate of the High Court in 1984 after graduating from Nairobi University with a Bachelor of Law (LLB) degree.
Lady Justice Mwilu got into private practice before joining Jubilee Insurance Company as a senior legal manager. Thereafter, she was appointed the Board Secretary at the Electricity Regulatory Board. She has served the country in various capacities including being the Deputy Chairperson of Energy Tribunal, Director on the Board of Nairobi Water and Sewerage Company before being appointed a Judge of the High Court in 2007.
Before being appointed Deputy Chief Justice, Lady Justice Mwilu first served in the Commercial Division in Nairobi and later the High Court in Eldoret. She was later transferred to Nairobi where she served at the Criminal Division and subsequently headed the Environment and Land Division of the High Court.
In December 2012, Lady Justice Mwilu was elevated to the Court of Appeal where she served as Judge of Appeal until her appointment as the Deputy Chief Justice.
Mama Sarah Obama was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) for her dedicated service to the poor.
Mama Sarah who is the grandmother to former US President Barack Obama, founded Mama Sarah Obama Foundation (MSOF) a charitable organization, dedicated in helping orphans and poor families feed and educate their children.
The Foundation’s mission is to improve the education and welfare of disadvantaged children through forging partnership and linkages with both local leaders, national and international partners.
The Foundation also constructed Early Childhood Development Centres, rehabilitation of Primary and secondary Schools, Construction of Medical Centres, Development of a Vocational Centre and Establishment of the Mama Sarah Scholarship Fund.
Otieno James Ogutu was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) for his dedication and distinguished service rendered to the Nation.
Mr. Otieno who holds a Diploma in Advanced Youth and Development from University of Guyana was first employed in the Ministry of Culture and Social Services as a Research Assistant, where he was instrumental in recording and transcription of traditional music of Kenyan tribes.
He rose through the ranks to become Youth Officer in the same Ministry in charge of the Development and Management of Youth Polytechnics. Mr. Ogutu also headed the Youth Department at the Kenya Red Cross in 1983.
He left the Civil Service and ventured in business and started a company called Otieno International Limited which specializes in Military ornaments, Medals and ceremonial items.
In his company he has created employment for many youths and served many countries in supplying military ornaments.
President Kenyatta commended them for their commitment and dedication to service and wished them success in their endevours.
The ceremony was conducted by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
Later Mama Sarah Obama paid a courtesy call on the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
By PSCU.