Afande Denno, a former police officer, is now selling mûtungo (boiled maize) after a difficult time following his resignation from the National Police Service.
Afande Denno was first fired from the police force for taking part in the Gen Z protests, which went against the police code of conduct.
This decision led to public outrage, and many Kenyans spoke out, calling for his reinstatement. After the protest, the Cabinet Secretary for Interior and the Inspector General of Police intervened, and Denno was brought back into the service.
However, even after being reinstated, Denno continued to participate in activities that were seen as hostile by the authorities.
During this time, he became popular on social media, especially TikTok, where he went live often. Kenyans supported him by sending gifts such as lions and roses, boosting his popularity.
Encouraged by this online attention and the support he was receiving, Denno eventually decided to resign from the police force.
He believed he could achieve more outside the force with the strong online backing. But once he resigned, the gifts and online support started to fade away.
He struggled through a very tough period, lasting about 1.5 years, with little financial or emotional support.
After facing these challenges, Denno decided to try something new.
This marks a new chapter in his life, and he hopes to build a more stable future through his business.
Now, he is focusing on his new business and trying to move forward, hoping for better days ahead.