Develop policy on heroes

When the Kenya Heroes Act was assented to in 2014, one would have expected that we could, by now, have put a framework to govern the erection of monuments in various public places — for that is the first function of the National Heroes Council. But it took years before the Kenya Heroes Council was put in place.

Recently, President Kenyatta unveiled Ronald Ngala’s monument as a tribute to the Kenyan nationalist who led Kadu party in early 1960s before merging it with Jomo Kenyatta’s Kanu after independence. We are not saying that Mr Ngala does not deserve that honour. Nay.

He does, and many others. But we need a proper framework in place where the public remains informed on the people we intend to memorialise and on how we historicise our struggles and achievements.

In terms of national memory, the Kenya Heroes Act has provided this country with a framework and a legal formula. As such, there should be no secrecy on which hero the Heroes Council has picked to honour, either with a medal or a statue. What we are saying is that the recognition of heroes should no longer be left at the whims of politicos but will should reflect our collective desire to honour such persons.

For transparency, and that is why we have Section 22, the Heroes Council is supposed to call for nominations via notices placed in print and electronic media and publish all the names of proposed heroes in at least two newspapers.

The Council, under Section 23, should then publish the names of the heroes to be honoured during Mashujaa Day after a thorough public scrutiny. The same also applies in the erection of statues.

But such a function should not be left to the Heroes Council only. We propose that we urgently develop a policy that will serve as a guide for any memorials, monuments or plaques to be placed in parks or public areas. Donors of such memorials and monuments should be encouraged besides the official national recognition.