Mashujaa Day 2021 held at Wang’uru Stadium in Kirinyaga County ended with glamour particularly for the Kisii tribesmen. Among the enlisted 220 are at least 13 Gusii heroes and heroines. These surviving icons bagged credit for steering peace and unity in Kenya.
Kisii shares a long history of freedom fighters dating back to the days of Otenyo, Sakawa, and Moraa Ngiti. The recently held Mashujaa Day has proven that the current generation is doing even more to protect the legacy.
List of 13 Mashujaa Day 2021 Gusii heroes and heroines
At least Kisii born celebrities managed in the list of 220 Mashujaa Day 2021 heroes and heroines.
These figures are particularly admired for lifting Nyamira County flag and the Kisii County government flag higher.
1. Jared Nyambweke #59
Mr Nyambweke is a respected marathoner having crossed the borders to take part in international competitions.
For instance, he won a gold medal during the Nigeria Africa championships held in 2018.
Jared Nyambweke also scooped a bronze medal at the Yokohama world relay series – 2019.
In the same year, he took part in the celebrated USA penny relays.
Gold medals from the continental games Kenya, Poland World Relay series, and KDF games 2021 add to the long list of his glorious record.
2. Samson N. Onyancha #60
Mr Onyancha is a hero for promoting peace talks between Abagusii and the neighbouring Transmara people.
He is famed for initiating peace talks which have resulted in declining cases of cattle rustling between the Maasai and Kisii people.
3. Charles Asati Momesu #79 –top Gusii heroes
Veteran KDF soldier Charles Asati Momesu served in the disciplined forces for at least 30 years.
Asati who doubled up as an athlete is now a peace-minded citizen in various community projects within Nyamira County.
4. Jared Ochanda Mombinya #80
Mombinya is not only a traditional musician but also a Kenyan peace ambassador.
He is an instrument of peace, especially in Nyamira County. Mombinya was spotted for his pivotal roles in peace committees and youth empowerment projects.
5. Stella Monyangi Nyamosi #92
Stella Nyamosi received recognition for her outstanding roles in community development projects.
She is a long-serving educator of 35 years with a reputation for promoting education in Trans Nzoia County.
6. Fenny Kerubo #105 – top Gusii heroines
Evangelist Fenny Kerubo is an award-winning Kisii gospel musician.
She qualified into the list for demonstrating unequalled patriotism in her songwriting and performances.
7. Evangelist Douglas Otiso #106
The dramatic Otiso from Kisii County is an award-winning artist with several groove award nominations.
Exemplary performance during the Gusii Stadium held Mashujaa Day celebrations 2020 influenced his position in this list.
8. Boaz Areri #110 –young Gusii heroes
Kisii County-based producer, performer, and songwriter Dokta B real names are Boaz Areri.
The youthful artist is a hero for successfully coordinating Mimi ni Shujaa and Abanyangongo hits.
Besides, he has consistently demonstrated patriotism in his creative productions.
9. Benson Oseko Nyang’iti #130
Kisii County legendary Benson Oseko Nyangiti is the founder of Abagusii Council of elders located opposite Kisii High School, only meters away from Kisii Town CBD.
He is a living treasure and an admiral in conflict resolution within Kisii County.
10. Makori Mangera #139
Makori Mangera from Kisii County received Mashujaa Day honour under the freedom fighter category.
He is among the few surviving Kenyan warriors of liberation and peace.
11. Yunes Bwari Zakayo #169
A career of 35 years as a teacher qualified the now-retired Yunes Bwari into the status of a Shujaa.
Apart from attending classes, she became an administrator in different Kisii County initiatives.
Yunes is a hero today out of the exposure she received while working in community development.
12. Dickson Manyange Ondwari #203
Sports personality Dickson Manyange is a regional hero in the Kenyan National Deaf handball team.
In 2018, he represented Kenya in the world Deaf handball competitions held in Brazil.
The crowns of Manyange include a Soya Award for people living with disabilities.
13. Richard Juma Okayo #215
Richard Okayo from Kiamokama is a Gusii hero is the caliber of Nyantika Maiyoro.
Mr Okayo is an aced athletics personality from the 60s. in 1968, he won an Olympic athletics bronze medal after finishing in the 7th position.
2021 Mashujaa Day Gusii heroes and heroines
Surviving heroes from Kisii and Nyamira counties gave tribesmen a reason to smile on the eve of Mashujaa Day.
Among them was a good number from minority groups including youths and people with disabilities.
These illustrious Gusii heroes and heroines are not only peacemakers but also community development patrons. Above all, they are a highlight of the Kisii heritage at its best.
