FOUR members of the Oshwal community in Kenya were honoured by president William Ruto on 12th December 2024 for their contributions to the country.
Over 500 Kenyans, including military leaders, were also recognised during the 61st Jamhuri Day celebrations. The day marks Kenya's independence, achieved on 12th December 1963, six months after gaining self-rule from the UK.
Aruna Manilal Chandaria was awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW). Aruna Chandaria is a trustee of the Chandaria Foundation and was also recognised with the Philanthropist Award 2012, alongside her husband, businessman Manu Chandaria, at the Global Peace Awards in the US.
Pankaj Meghji Shah received the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), one of Kenya’s top honours.
Ashok Mepa Shah and Rajan Dalichand Shah were honoured with the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
The awards are part of Kenya’s national system of honours, which recognises individuals for distinguished and outstanding services to the nation.
The Oshwal community, originally from Gujarat, migrated to East Africa in the late 19th century and have since made significant cultural, religious, and business contributions in Kenya, the UK, and other parts of the world.
Moglai Bap and Mo Chara of Kneecap perform at Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm in Pilton, Somerset, Britain, June 28, 2025. REUTERS/Jaimi Joy
Police may probe anti-Israel comments at Glastonbury
BRITISH police said they were considering whether to launch an investigation after performers at Glastonbury Festival made anti-Israel comments during their shows.
"We are aware of the comments made by acts on the West Holts Stage at Glastonbury Festival this afternoon," Avon and Somerset Police, in western England, said on X late on Saturday (28).
Irish hip-hop group Kneecap and punk duo Bob Vylan made anti-Israeli chants in separate shows on the West Holts stage on Saturday. One of the members of Bob Vylan chanted "Death, death, to the IDF" in a reference to the Israel Defense Forces.
"Video evidence will be assessed by officers to determine whether any offences may have been committed that would require a criminal investigation," the police statement said.
The Israeli Embassy in Britain said it was "deeply disturbed by the inflammatory and hateful rhetoric expressed on stage at the Glastonbury Festival".
Prime minister Keir Starmer said earlier this month it was "not appropriate" for Kneecap to appear at Glastonbury.
The band's frontman Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh was charged with a terrorism offence last month for allegedly displaying a flag in support of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah at a concert in November. He has denied the charge.
A British government minister said it was appalling that the anti-Israel chants had been made at Glastonbury, and that the festival's organisers and the BBC broadcaster - which is showing the event - had questions to answer.
Health secretary Wes Streeting said he was also appalled by violence committed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank.
"I'd also say to the Israeli Embassy, get your own house in order in terms of the conduct of your own citizens and the settlers in the West Bank," Streeting told Sky News.
"I wish they'd take the violence of their own citizens towards Palestinians more seriously," he said.
(Reuters)