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| Award winner Hon. Ababu Namwamba, EGH |
The once firebrand legislator turned diplomat is set to receive the prestigious African Inspirational Personality Award conferred by the Hague based Voice Magazine which publishes about African affairs.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade stands out as a figure of inspiration across Africa through his works ranging from legislation, philanthropy and diplomacy making him beat others in the category and be the darling of the selection panel.
On philanthropy, he runs the Ababu Namwamba Foundation which has previously partnered with Safaricom Foundation, Ahadi Trust and Chandaria foundation to open doors of opportunities for communities across Kenya through economic empowerment, talent development and education support, scholarship and the Ababu mentorship program.
The erudite American trained attorney boasts of an impressive profile in public interest litigation where he has won major court battles for expansion of civil liberties and constitutional freedoms.
Rising through areas of influence in the ODM party as its secretary General, Labour party leader, chair of PAIC and co-chair of the select committee that delivered the new constitution of Kenya which broadened freedoms and human rights is viewed with admiration by many from the continent.
Coupled with his works as Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs where he institutionalized the National Youth Council, enacted the Sports Act and streamlined the Youth enterprise fund to reach a wide base across the nation. In his current capacity as Deputy Minister, he played a ponderous role in the IGAD South Sudan peace accord where he reconciled the fiercest protagonists Kiir and Machar.
Hon. Ababu is already decorated with the highest civilian award of the order of the Elder of the Golden Heart, EGH conferred on him in 2012, the OLX legislator award in 2015, Young Global Leader award by the World economic forum in 2009 and Social Justice Award by Jubilee Netherlands in 2004. The Voice Award becomes another deserved honour his way for his influence and inspiration.
As he accepted the Voice Achievers award, Hon. Ababu said through his social media accounts, that he has dedicated the prize to the ever industrious Kenyan youths first, and the great youths of Africa.
Other great personalities to be honored include African High Representative on Infrastructure and Kenya’s ex-prime minister Raila Odinga who will receive the Icon of democracy award, alongside Uganda’s opposition maestro Kizza Besigye.
Law professor PLO Lumumba, Ahadi Trust among other persons from across Africa also set to be feted at the gala to be held on Friday 16th August in Nairobi.
