A vibrant mural depicting Shakira Wafula, a young protester, now adorns the city.The artwork captures the powerful moment she stood fearlessly, raising the Kenyan flag in the face of a police officer.
This act of bravery has become a symbol of resilience and the fight for justice.
Shakira became a household name after a video of her confronting an officer during the Gen Z Finance Bill protests surfaced.
In videos circulated online, she was heard telling police officers, “I’m here for Kenyans, I’m here for my people, I’m here for your rights. Nitoe!! Nitoe baba! Sitoki!” she instructed the officer, who appeared frustrated.She was standing along Cardinal Otunga Road after a heated moment between protesters and anti-riot police, who had lobbed tear gas canisters into the crowd. A water cannon had also begun spraying the youth.
Many have compared her to earlier freedom fighters who did not fear confrontation. Even CNN Africa Correspondent Larry Madowo was left impressed.
The journalist shared a video of an encounter with her in Nairobi’s CBD recently, where he praised her bravery.
Shakira also spoke to a source, about her boldness that day. “Deep inside, I was really scared. I was thinking, I’m doing a stare down, but if this guy just decides to act crazy, I don’t know what will happen,” she recalled about that viral moment.Larry Madowo happened to be passing by and captured the altercation on camera. It just so happened that Shakira had been arrested during a protest the week before.
She was seized by four unclothed guys, who then brought her to Central Police Station. She was angry and dissatisfied with the political and economic climate.