Years after the establishment of the Kenya colony, the British colonial authorities began cracking down on political dissent. Among those targeted were trade unionists advocating for fair treatment of Africans. Harry Thuku emerged as a prominent advocate for freedom. On March 14, 1922, news of his arrest, along with George Mugekenyi and Waiganjo wa Ndotono, spread quickly in Nairobi. This prompted many Africans to gather at the Kingsway Police Station (now Central Police Station) to protest.
In the forefront was Muthoni Wa Kinyatta, speaking in Agikuyu dialect to the men: “What type of men are you? Your cowardice knows no bounds! How can you stand by while our leaders are locked up here? Rally your courage and we will give you our skirts!” This defiance of traditional gender roles indicated that women had long challenged the patriarchal norms of traditional society.
Nyanjiru’s brave challenge altered Kenya’s history. As soon as she voiced her challenge, the crowd surged towards the gates until police bayonets were at the throats of the protesters.
Nyanjiru’s first to die in a day of senseless colonial brutality that left some 250 people dead.
