President William Ruto has revoked the conferment of one of Kenya’s most prestigious national honours from ten individuals, admitting they were mistakenly included in the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) list announced during the 2025 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
In a gazette notice dated December 19, 2025, the Head of State clarified that the names had been erroneously published under Gazette Notice No. 1836 of 2025, which detailed recipients of national honours and awards unveiled on December 12, 2025.
“It is notified for the general information of the public that the following names were erroneously included,” President Ruto stated in the notice, formally withdrawing them from the coveted C.B.S. roll.
The 10 Names Dropped From the C.B.S. List
Those removed from the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear category are:
Ndungu Joyce Njeri Njoroge (M.B.S.)
Kiini Sylvester Ngei (M.B.S.)
Owino Harrison Ochieng (O.G.W.)
Kirui Kipkemoi Arap (O.G.W.)
Chemweno Peter Kipsang (O.G.W.)
Mogere Zakayo Izanta (O.G.W.)
Sitima Allan Mukoto (O.G.W.)
Akama Vane Nyabok (O.G.W.)
Buchere Philip Brightone (O.G.W.)
Odera Millicent Anyango (H.S.C.)
The gazette notice did not explain how the error occurred, but the correction has sparked public debate over the vetting process for national honours.
The Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) is among Kenya’s most respected honours, awarded to individuals who have rendered distinguished and meritorious public service. However, it is not the ultimate civilian honour in the country.
Kenya’s national honours hierarchy places the Order of the Golden Heart above all others:
Top Kenyan Civilian Honours Hierarchy
Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) – Kenya’s highest civilian award, often reserved for Presidents and exceptional national figures
Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.)
Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.)
Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) – The highest rank within the Burning Spear order, but below the Golden Heart awards in prestige
While receiving a CBS remains a tremendous national recognition, the C.G.H. stands as the pinnacle of civilian honours in Kenya.
The rare public correction by President Ruto underscores the sensitivity and symbolic weight attached to national honours, especially those announced during major state events like Jamhuri Day. As Kenyans scrutinise the honours system more closely, the incident has reignited calls for tighter verification to preserve the credibility of the country’s most revered awards.
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