The city is currently covered with a colorful mural that shows young protestor Shakira Wafula in a powerful moment when she boldly raises the Kenyan flag in front of a police officer.
This courageous deed has come to represent tenacity and the pursuit of justice. After a video of Shakira challenging an officer during the Gen Z Finance Bill protests went viral, the singer became well-known.
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 plainclothes men and brought to Central Police Station. She was angry and dissatisfied with the political and economic climate.
