Full list of Senators and MPs nominated for presidential awards on Mashujaa Day

The Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee on Friday published the full list of members of parliament who have been nominated for the 2019 presidential awards.

The comprehensive list is made up of eight members of the National Assembly and four senators as well as the Clerk of the National Assembly, Michael Sialai, his deputy Jeremiah Walusala and the Senate deputy clerk Mohamed Ali.

The eight MPs set to receive the Chief of the Burning Spear award are Kanini Kega (Kieni), Japhet Kareke (Maara), Rachael Nyamai (Kitui South), Joseph Limo (Kipkelion East), Sophia Noor (Ijara), Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Chris Omulele (Luanda) and Millie Odhiambo (Suba North).

The Senators listed for the same C.B.S. accolade are Mutula Kilonzo Jr (Makueni), Aaron Cheruiyot (Kericho), Susan Kihika (Nakuru) and Stewart Madzayo (Kilifi).

Controversy around presidential awards

In recent years, the awards have been criticized by Kenyans who often disagree with the choice of personalities picked for the award.

Some of the notable personalities who have received the presidential awards are Martin Kamotho alias "Githeri Man", bloggers Robert Alai, Pauline Njoroge and Dennis Itumbi.

DCI boss George Kinoti and DPP Noordin Haji were also recipients of the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear in 2018.

The awards are likely to be given during the upcoming Mashujaa Day celebrations which will be held in Mombasa as well as during this year's Jamhuri Day celebrations.

The awards come with a designation added after the individual's name, a medal and at times a sash.