The Royal Diaspora Monarchy presented its first-ever Africa We Honour Awards to 13 distinguished individuals on October 24, 2026. The ceremony took place at African Heritage House in Nairobi, a venue created by renowned African art collector Alan Donovan. The awards aimed to spotlight individuals whose work in leadership, humanitarian service, and creative fields is making a measurable difference on the continent.
The Kenyan contingent formed the largest group of recipients, with several individuals recognised for their contributions. Her Royal Greatness Princess Jacklyne Njau was honoured for championing community-centred tourism, while Her Royal Greatness Dame Dr Maryleen Thome was recognised for establishing E-Plus emergency ambulance services. Ambassador Bishop Dr Daniel Kennedy Kwesi received recognition for promoting Christian leadership and ethical governance.
Other Kenyan honourees included Ambassador Dr Vinod Ramji, MBS, who was celebrated for combining industrial enterprise with charitable service. Mr Tom Otieno was recognised for preserving the cultural legacy of African Heritage House, while Dr Susan Onyancha was honoured for her contributions to entrepreneurship. Dr Davis Mwabili Hezron, widely known as Inspector Mwala, was recognised for bringing comedy and social commentary to Kenyan audiences.
The awards also recognised individuals from other African countries. Dr Jean Claude Murekeyimana, known as Father George, was honoured from Rwanda for founding the Iwacu Recovery Centre, which supports individuals and families dealing with addiction, trauma, and mental health challenges. Ambassador Dr Liliane Temuni Ngoyi Mawa of the Democratic Republic of Congo was recognised for decades of medical service to vulnerable children.
From South Africa, Mr Stemer Kompie Monageng and Her Royal Greatness Queen Wilheminah Lwate were among the honourees. The vision behind the awards is led by His Royal Majesty King Clyde Rivers of the Royal Diaspora Monarchy, working alongside His Royal Greatness Duke Dr Patrick Businge and Her Royal Greatness Duchess Julian Businge.
King Clyde Rivers has stated that true greatness is measured not by titles or crowns, but by how we honour humanity with love, respect, and civility. The awards' core message was articulated as "Greatness is not what we keep for ourselves. Greatness is what we give to the world." Dr Vinod Ramji reflected on the recognition, stating that true honour is measured not by the awards received, but by the lives touched and the legacy of service left behind.
The ceremony was accompanied by Maasai cultural performances, and the venue's connection to African artistic heritage was seen as a fitting complement to the awards' mission of preserving and celebrating the continent's extraordinary stories. The Africa We Honour initiative aims to recognise individuals making a positive impact on the continent.
Key points
- The Royal Diaspora Monarchy has honoured 13 Africans from four countries at the Nairobi World Greatness Awards.
- The awards recognised individuals for their contributions to leadership, humanitarian service, and creative fields.
- The ceremony was held at African Heritage House in Nairobi, a venue created by renowned African art collector Alan Donovan.
