The 'Iron Ladies' of Maandamano

Unlike yesteryears when only men went to the streets to protest, this year was different as young educated ladies also joined the demos against the Finance Bill that was withdrawn due to public outcry.

Below we look at some of the courageous women who stood up to be counted.

Hanifa Farsafi

Hanifa Farsafi is synonymous with the ongoing protests and has been at the forefront of coordinating help for Kenyans affected by these events. Whether it is paying bail for those arrested, covering hospital bills for those injured, or funding funeral expenses for those who have died, Hanifa has been there. Her gutsy activism gained her fame when she first posted a video on X showing poor sewer systems in Korogocho. Under pressure, Nairobi governor Johnson Sakaja was forced to address and fix the issue.

So far, she has managed to raise Sh30 million on Mchanga for this cause. Hanifa has been lauded for her stewardship of the funds. A journalist and social commentator, she was arrested on the first day of the Reject Finance Bill protests and spent hours at Nairobi’s Central Police Station alongside other arrested protesters.

Nyandia Gachago

As the protests gained momentum, influential individuals working for various entities joined in. Despite their professional commitments, they have actively participated in the protests.

“For me, as a Marketing, PR, and Digital expert, a mom, partner, and member of Corporate Kenya, I stand against bad governance because it undermines the principles of transparency and integrity that are critical to my profession. Corruption and mismanagement of funds threaten the business environment, stifling economic growth and is also unethical,” says Gachago. On X, where she has an impressive following of 23,700 people, Nyandia has been busy pushing the official hashtags and participating in the protests.

“As a mother, my children’s future is at stake. I demand a Kenya where my children have access to quality education, healthcare, and opportunities. I protest to ensure a safe and stable environment for my family, setting an example of civic responsibility and courage for my children,” she says.

As a member of the corporate world, Nyandia is advocating for economic stability, fair competition, and responsible corporate citizenship. She emphasizes that bad governance erodes trust in institutions, affecting businesses and livelihoods.

“By protesting and doing my part, I hope to contribute to the ongoing efforts to build a reliable environment where people don’t struggle to trust. Collective action is crucial, and I believe in the power of solidarity to demand reforms. Ultimately, I protest because I believe in a better Kenya for all. Together, we can make a difference and build a just, accountable, and prosperous nation,” she says.

Njoki Njanja

Njoki Njanja is unhappy that the Salaries and Remuneration Commission (SRC) has failed to harmonize salaries and ensure fair compensation for critical sectors. She points out that the daily losses due to corruption are staggering and that the Finance Bill would have had dire consequences for the youth if not protested.

Njoki, who was also arrested on the first day of the protests alongside Hanifa, has been vocal on X, tweeting ceaselessly against bad governance and advocating for change. “The incompetence and arrogance displayed by those in power are just worrying. Again, we are seeing the political class coming together to form what they are calling a broad-based government. This shows just how disconnected they are from reality, and we are not happy with them,” she says.

Mercy Tarus

Mercy Tarus, from Uasin Gishu, gained fame after confronting leaders over the Finland scholarship saga. Boldly addressing Governor Jonathan Bii, his deputy John Barorot, and Senator Jackson Mandago, Mercy spoke against the scandal that caught the nation’s attention. She also runs the Kenya ni Home initiative. With protests rocking the entire country, Mercy has been vocal against poor governance, appearing in several media interviews where she addresses issues affecting the youth. In a recent interview, Mercy criticized the government, stating that while Kenya is compared to Singapore regarding taxes, it is compared to the troubled Sudan when it comes to accountability.

Wanjira Wanjiru

Wanjira Wanjiru, a grassroots activist, is the co-founder of the Mathare Social Justice Centre and the Matigari Youth Book Club. An alumna of the University of Nairobi and co-host of the Liberating Minds podcast, Wanjira has been at the forefront of the fight for justice. Her prominence in the media rose when she resisted arrest and told the police officers that she was protesting against the killing of innocent people. Her mantra, “When we lose our fear, they lose their power,” has become a rallying cry for the Gen Z-led protests.

Adelle Onyango

Media personality Adelle Onyango has taken to the streets to protest, expressing her frustration with the political class. She has, in essence, become an activist. When she is not calling out those in the wrong, Adelle promotes artists and vendors participating in the protests, using her social media platforms, which command a huge following, to push the Gen Z agenda.

Bevalyne Kwamboka

A staunch anti-FGM campaigner and known as the Chips Mwitu vendor on X, Bevalyne Kwamboka is familiar to Kenyans. She was among the protesters arrested over the Finance Bill demonstrations. In addition to demanding accountability, Kwamboka took a step further by sharing a demand letter addressed to former CS Ababu Namwamba, demanding the list of those going to Paris for the Olympics as a matter of public interest. Recently, she was part of the protesters who occupied Nyamira County, demanding the resignation of Governor Amos Nyaribo.

Shakira Wafula

Shakira Wafula, who confronted a police officer during the anti-tax protests, is a certified lifeguard, basic swimming instructor, and bike enthusiast. A video of her during the protests on Cardinal Otunga Road went viral as she engaged in a heated argument with a police officer. Many lauded her for her resoluteness. In the video circulated online, she told police officers: “I’m here for Kenyans, I’m here for my people. I’m here for your rights. Nitoe!! Nitoe baba! Sitoki!”

Dr. Stellah Wairimu Bosire

Dr. Stellah Wairimu Bosire is a medical doctor, human rights activist, and law student. She has been one of the many protesters taking issue with the government and its operations. Dr. Bosire has been vocal on her social media platforms, campaigning against police brutality among other issues. “I am pained that Kenyans who are out on the streets seeking good governance are met with such violence,” she posted on X.

Shiko Kihika

Shiko Kihika, from Nakuru, is no stranger to advocacy. She is the founder of Tribeless Youth, an organization that champions the rights of those living with activism and advocates for good governance, leadership, and digital literacy rights. Shiko has been vocal in calling out corrupt leaders and demanding accountability. “If you had no reason to be angry today, remember the government used some of your taxes to propagate false information against all of us while hospitals are still under-equipped,” she said.

She added, “Politicians were not and are still not welcome in this fight. They are the problem. They are the reason this country is a mess,” she recently posted on X.

Sylvia Atieno aka Mama Hawi

Popular chef Mama Hawi, also known as Sylvia Atieno, has been a revelation during the protests. Her biggest role has been feeding the protesters. As the adage goes, extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, and Mama Hawi has captured the hearts of many with her sumptuous meals. On X, she shares her food offerings. “Protestors will receive a tin of pilau with kachumbari and chili, a banana, and a bottle of water. All because of your donations. This was the most fulfilling meal I’ve cooked,” she stated during a media interview during the doctors’ protests at the Ministry of Health. Media personality Adelle Onyango has given her a gig, providing catering services during her film projects.

Hope Mwinzi

Hope Mwinzi describes herself as a storyteller, entrepreneur, and business speaker living by the ocean in Kenya. She is also the founder of RH Media. Recently, netizens lauded her efforts in compiling a list of those arrested and abducted, noting the time and locations of these incidents. “A heartbreaking day today in Kenya all because Kenyans asked for good governance, accountability, and an end to massive corruption,” she said on X. “The police are criminals. Abductors, kidnappers, killers, a law unto themselves. Condoned and endorsed by State House. Independent Police Oversight Authority Quiet. Chief Justice Quiet. The government is complicit in this,” she recently posted on X.

Njeri Migwi

Njeri Migwi is the founder of Usikimye, a women’s human rights defender initiative. Her work has often put her at odds with the police. When protesters were arrested on the first day, she offered support and reassurance to the young agitators. Njeri advocates for creative and peaceful forms of protest. “I said this. We get to CBD and sit down. No more running. Just sit down. If it is Kenyatta Avenue, we occupy by sitting. This is a valid form of protest against a government that intends to kill us,” she recently posted on X.