Refigah Heviweit Awards Isaac Mwaura, Other 5 Leaders at Book Launch
- Refigah Heviweit celebrated a major milestone and explained why he awarded politicians during the event
- Speaking exclusively to TUKO.co.ke, he explained how the newly introduced award would benefit all hardworking citizens across the continent
- He also shared insights into his book, offering lessons he learnt throughout his multifaceted career
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Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: Yusuf Noah, popularly known as Refigah Heviweit and founder of Grandpa Records, celebrated a major milestone on Saturday, August 16, with the launch of his autobiography, Grandpa's Walking Stick, at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.
Source: Original
During the event, Refigah, also a former Kibra MP aspirant honoured the leaders and other key figures who have supported him throughout his life.
He introduced 'The Stick of Honour,' an award recognising individuals who have significantly impacted his journey. The inaugural edition honoured 25 remarkable figures.
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"This esteemed award is a token of my deepest gratitude, recognising individuals who have profoundly impacted my journey," he told TUKO.co.ke in an exclusive interview.
Who was awarded at Refigah's book launch?
Among the awarded leaders were:
- Eugene Wamalwa, DAP-Kenya party leader, and his longtime friend, who supported the Nubian community and helped secure Kibra title deeds in 2017 during retired president Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration.
- Jane Njeri Maina, the Kirinyaga woman representative, is a former artist at Grandpa Records and collaborator on numerous youth empowerment initiatives in her county.
- Hillary Musoke Kisanja, a senior adviser on agribusiness to Uganda’s president, Yoweri Museveni.
- Isaac Mwaura, Statehouse spokesperson, whom he said helped him in various capacities.
- Rebecca Joshua Akwaci, a South Sudanese MP who supported him in the creative industry from his young age.
Source: Original
The former Grandpa Records boss, the first Kenyan from the creative industry to publish a book in East Africa, announced that The Stick of Honour will expand in 2026 to celebrate visionary leaders and changemakers across Africa.
"Building on this momentum, the second edition of 'The Stick of Honour' will transcend borders, celebrating outstanding contributions across Africa. Next year, we will recognise visionary leaders, innovators, and changemakers in governance, civil society, community service, creative industries, and leadership. This continental award will shine a spotlight on those who inspire positive change, fostering a brighter future for generations to come," he said.
What does Grandpa's Walking Stick entail?
Grandpa’s Walking Stick chronicles Refigah’s journey from humble beginnings in Kibra to becoming a pioneering YouTube creator and building Grandpa Records into one of East and Central Africa’s most successful record labels.
He announced that the recording studio would soon reveal its CEO and management team with a major launch, as he explores other ventures, including culture.
The autobiography also details his political experiences, including his 2022 bid for the Kibra parliamentary seat, and shares exclusive stories, such as his meeting with the late former president Daniel Moi at Kabarak and with several politicians.
"I also address allegations from former collaborators, offering a candid look at my experiences and lessons learned," he explained.
Which African award did Refigah Heviweit receive?
Meanwhile, in June 2025, Refigah was recognised for his outstanding contributions to Africa’s creative economy.
He was among 36 exceptional leaders across the continent awarded the Paul Kagame Transformational Leadership Medal of Honour during the 10th edition of the Africa Institute of Public Administration (AIPA) held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The award celebrated transformational leadership and impactful service to Africa, highlighting his role in advancing the creative industries and inspiring positive change across the continent.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
