X influencer and activist Hanifa recently faced a frightening ordeal during the ongoing demonstrations in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD). The protests, largely led by young Kenyans, are demanding justice for Albert Ojwang, a blogger and teacher who tragically died while in police custody.
While demonstrating in the city centre, Hanifa was attacked by a goon who infiltrated the crowd of peaceful protestors. She shared that the assailant not only physically assaulted her but also stole her phone. Despite the shock and pain, she responded quickly. Hanifa managed to grab the attacker’s jacket, trying to reclaim her phone as he continued to assault her.
The situation could have turned worse, but other protestors came to her aid. Together, they subdued the goon, allowing Hanifa to recover her stolen phone. She later revealed that the attacker had hit her hard on the backside, causing her leg to tremble in pain. In her message of gratitude, she acknowledged those who had rushed to her rescue in the middle of the chaos.
This incident quickly drew emotional reactions online. Many netizens praised Hanifa for her bravery and resilience, especially given the emotional weight of the protest and her role in organizing support for Ojwang’s family. Users expressed anger at the thugs taking advantage of the demonstrations and called for unity and safety during the protests.
Hanifa has been one of the vocal youth leaders pushing for transparency and accountability in the wake of Ojwang’s death. She’s actively helped raise funds for funeral arrangements and legal support through online platforms. Last year, she addressed public concerns by releasing a detailed audit report for over KSh 31 million that had been raised for families affected by anti-government protests. She laid out how the funds were distributed among various beneficiaries, aiming to maintain public trust and transparency.
The attack, while alarming, has not slowed down her resolve. Hanifa remains firm in her fight for justice, both online and in the streets. Her leadership has resonated with many in the Gen Z and millennial communities, who see her as a symbol of the youth’s refusal to remain silent in the face of injustice.
In another related event, she clashed with a prominent presidential aspirant during a tense moment at a police station. She challenged the politician’s position after he allegedly discouraged protest participation, accusing him of undermining the movement’s goals. She also confronted him over claims he made suggesting she had been paid to organize the protests—an allegation she strongly denied.
Hanifa’s experience highlights both the risks and resilience of youth-led activism in Kenya. As the protests continue, the young generation remains determined to demand accountability and safer, more just systems—refusing to be silenced by fear, threats, or misinformation.
