By Kennedy Oketch (Freelance Journalist)
In recent weeks, as genuine activists from the Gen Z generation staged “maandamano” to advocate for change, a darker narrative unfolded in Kenya. Amidst the protests, rogue officers and armed groups goonzees terrorized innocent Kenyans, leaving a trail of destruction that affected both the public and government officials alike.
Chieni supermarket that belonged to the Businessman and Kieni MP Wanaina Njoroge has lost over Sh550 million as a price for being perceived to belonging to the wrong side of the struggle.
Winnierose Wangui, a dedicated public servant at the Laikipia County offices, emerged as one of the many victims of this turmoil. Known for her tireless efforts in community development, infrastructure improvement, and amplifying the voices of rural communities, Wangui found herself caught in a nightmare.
Despite the constitutional right to peaceful protest, many government employees, including Winnierose Wangui, are often perceived as adversaries by the public. This misunderstanding, fueled by misinformation and mistrust, that place their lives in jeopardy. While they may support change and peaceful demonstrations themselves, they are often seen as obstacles or betrayers by those who believe the government is inherently against their interests.
This dangerous misconception has led to threats and violence against innocent government officials, a reality that Winnierose Wangui understands better than most.
“What was once her sanctuary turned into a battleground. As protests escalated, she began receiving threatening text messages, which soon escalated to physical assaults and the destruction of her home. The situation became untenable, forcing her to make the heart-wrenching decision to flee the country. Tragically, many of her colleagues, marked for violence, faced similar fates—some were assaulted, while others, including lower-ranking officials, were killed.
The chaos and unpredictability of these armed groups not only robbed Wangui of her possessions but also instilled a deep-seated fear for her life. Seeking asylum abroad, she hopes to rebuild her life, yet the trauma of the protests will forever haunt her.
While some may argue that such turmoil is a necessary evil for change, the scars and memories left on individuals like Winnierose Wangui are indelible. Her story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of political unrest and the urgent need for a safer environment for all.
A Kenyan Government Official Forced into Exile by Chaos.
In the face of growing unrest in Kenya, a heart-wrenching story has emerged, shedding light on the personal toll of political instability. As Gen Z activists took to the streets in recent weeks to demand change through peaceful protests, a more sinister undercurrent gripped the nation. Amid the demonstrations, rogue officers and armed gangs unleashed violence, victimizing ordinary citizens and government officials alike. In the aftermath of the demonstrations, significant damage and losses were incurred, including the tragic loss of innocent lives. Sixteen individuals were charged in an Eldoret court for breaking into the Timba XO club, which is associated with Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, where they proceeded to steal and consume alcohol. Many business owners suffered millions in losses, but the most heartbreaking aspect remains the innocent victims whose lives were either taken or irrevocably disrupted.
One such victim is Winnierose Wangui, a diligent public servant from Laikipia County. Renowned for her dedication to community development, infrastructure projects, and the empowerment of rural voices, Wangui’s commitment to progress was met with unexpected peril. What began as a wave of peaceful protests spiraled into chaos, endangering those who, like Wangui, worked tirelessly to serve their communities.Although the constitution protects the right to peaceful protest, a deep-seated mistrust of government employees has painted them as enemies in the eyes of some demonstrators. For officials like Wangui, this mischaracterization turned into a dangerous reality.
Despite her alignment with calls for peaceful change, she found herself unfairly branded as an obstacle to progress—an association that brought threats, violence, and life-altering consequences.
The attacks on Wangui began subtly, with menacing text messages, but they soon escalated to physical violence and the destruction of her property. Her once peaceful home became a battlefield, forcing her to flee for her safety.
Ultimately, the danger proved insurmountable, and she made the agonizing decision to leave her homeland in search of refuge abroad. Her plight mirrors that of many other government employees who have been targeted during this period of unrest—some were attacked, others killed, and countless families left shattered.
For Wangui, the experience has left an indelible mark. As she begins the difficult process of rebuilding her life in a foreign land, the trauma of the events remains a heavy burden.
The scars, both physical and emotional, serve as a haunting reminder of the human cost of political turbulence.
While some argue that such upheavals are an unavoidable step toward societal reform, Wangui’s story underscores the urgent need for a balanced approach to activism—one that prioritizes safety for all, including those working within the system to effect change. Her journey stands as a poignant testament to the price paid by individuals caught in the crossfire of a nation’s struggle for transformation. When we compose songs for heroes likes Rex and many like him for their valour and his unrelenting comment to the course of to point of his death, we must also consider Winnierose Wangui’s resilience amid unimaginable adversity as a stark reminder of the sacrifices borne by ordinary citizens and public servants during times of upheaval. Her voice joins countless others calling for peaceful and inclusive solutions to Kenya’s challenges, emphasizing the need for dialogue and understanding over division and violence.
