
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
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, place the lives of people like her 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, quickly 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. Disappearing into unknown location, she hopes to rebuild
her life, yet the trauma of the protests will forever haunt her. This is according to one of her closest
friend that stayed behind to wait and see if things might change.
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.
