Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka was feted with the inaugural Peace Ambassador of the Year Award from the National Community Based Organizations Council and the Certified Mediators and Advisory Board.
“You have given honour to Kenya, Africa and the world. We, and many Kenyans, are quite proud of your accomplishments,” the citation for the inaugural award read in part.
He was presented the award by human rights activist and journalist Hanifa Adan who congratulated the Wiper Party leader for beating and other nominees to win the prestigious honour.
“It is an honour to be the recipient of the inaugural Peace Ambassador of the Year Award today, Wednesday, November 13th, 2024 at the SKM Command Centre, Nairobi,” he said.
Kalonzo who has served in various capacities in the Kenyan government as the Vice President and Cabinet Minister in various ministries added another feather to his hat in the many awards and recognitions he has received for his peace and humanitarian efforts.
In 2021, he was awarded the Icon of Democracy Award Voice Achievers Awards ceremony in Dubai for his relentless efforts in working for peace in South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Somalia, and his role in the formation of the grand coalition government in Kenya in 2008.
Jimmy Nicks, the representative of the Voice News Magazine in Kenya, said the publication had tracked Musyoka’s peace efforts for a long time hence the decision to award him.
“The voice news Africa magazine has tracked your record and taken notice of your iconic democratic contribution to the continent of Africa,” he said.
Kalonzo was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and a Doctorate in Humane Letters in recognition of his achievements in peace making, conflict resolution efforts, sustainable community development and humanistic ideals by Kenyatta University.
For his work in the area of conflict resolution, Mr. Musyoka was honored with the Akinkaju/Tembo Award in 2006.
He was named the African Dignitary Man of the Year 2016 by humanitarian organisation, We Care for Humanity recognised for his efforts to bring peace in Sudan during his tenure as Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Minister, during which he initiated the process that would culminate in the birth of the continent’s youngest nation, South Sudan.
Also mentioned were the Kalonzo Musyoka Foundation’s efforts to provide education to 2,000 needy and vulnerable children in Kenya. Kalonzo has also built the Mama Malia Academy for orphaned children and the most vulnerable from destitute families. The academy now houses 300 children from all over Kenya.
He was also recognised for his efforts to integrate Kenyans and provide food and support for those who were internally displaced during the violence that was triggered by the 2007 elections.
In 2007, Kalonzo Musyoka, was nominated for the 2007 Goodwill Award that focuses on growth and well-being of Africans.
African Focus Incorporation (AFI), a non-profit organisation based in California, nominated him among other nominees who included the late singer and actress Miriam Makeba nicknamed Mama Africa for the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’, Jermaine Jackson for ‘Thy Brother’s Keeper Award’, Her Excellency Madam Theresa Kufuor the First Lady Ghana for ‘African Ambassador of Goodwill’ and Pattni LaBelle for ‘Ambassador of Goodwill Award’.
From 1993 to 1998 under President Daniel Arap Moi’s government, Kalonzo served as the Minister for foreign affairs.
He also served a Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2003 to 2004 during Mwai Kibaki’s government, then Minister of the Environment from 2004 to 2005.
In 2008, he was appointed Vice President and National Heritage Minister by the then president the late Mwai Kibaki in the Grand National Unity government where he served till 2013.
