This archive report was first published on 22 October 2019.
Controversy erupted on K24's Punchline when host Anne Kiguta interviewed Dennis Itumbi, a recipient of the Head of State commendation in 2017.
Itumbi was awarded for his efforts in connecting Nakuru to free Wi-Fi and introducing a digital infrastructure for the government, according to him.
However, the award sparked widespread criticism, with many questioning the criteria used to select the recipients.
Popular blogger Robert Alai and Githeri Man were also among those awarded, further fueling the debate.
Legislator Babu Owino weighed in, calling on President Uhuru Kenyatta to revoke the awards given to undeserving individuals.
Itumbi defended the award, stating that he was well-deserving and that heroes come in different categories.
However, his alleged lover, Jacque Maribe, fired back at Kiguta for questioning the award, saying that people don't research how the awards are given and that Kiguta should have done her homework.
Maribe's response sparked a heated debate on social media, with many weighing in on the issue.
President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded the Head of State commendations in 2017, sparking controversy over the criteria used to select the recipients.
