Mama Ngina Kenyatta feted as a living African legend

Mama Ngina Kenyatta was among 15 women who were feted as the foremost heroines of Africa during a colourful dinner ceremony at Sandton in South Africa.

They were each recognized for their contributions to society outside their usual call of duty.

Mama Ngina, who is the mother of President Uhuru Kenyatta, was recognized as an icon for the role she played in Kenya’s pre-independence struggle and eventual emancipation from the painful yoke of colonialism.

The 15 heroines who included Liberian President Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former Malawi Head of State Joyce Banda and former President the late Nelson Mandela’s wife Winnie Madikizela Mandela were feted as “living legends“ during the African Women of Excellence Awards ceremony.

The award was received on her behalf by Kenya’s First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.

“It was not an easy walk to freedom for Mama Ngina because separating a mother and her children is like depriving her of her soul and breath.  Yet, our proud mother braved the pain and humiliation of imprisonment because, like the proverbial giraffe, she looked forward to a brighter future,” said the First Lady.

“From the darkness of her incarceration, Mama Ngina looked forward to a time when all women would be treated as equals and where colour and ethnicity would not be used to gauge an individual’s potential and opportunities in life.”

She further noted that though “we have not yet reached our destination, we are well on our way towards achieving that which the founders of Africa dreamt of, Mama Ngina among them.”