Has Kenya become too unsafe for any politically active youth? The story of a young political activist, Peter Njihia, whose youth activism leading up to the Gen Z-led protests to oppose the Finance Bill 2024 nearly cost him his life, is yet another example of the risks that accompany political activism, especially for the youth.
Peter, who disappeared from the public scene abruptly on July 30, 2024 now shares his story from hiding, in the hopes of getting justice.
I was a central figure in the local politics of Chania Ward, Kiambu County but with time, I could no longer keep quiet to enjoy the comforts that association with power afforded while the people suffered, and so I started speaking out against unfulfilled pledges and pilferage of public funds. The powers that be weren’t happy.
My increased grassroots activism nearly cost me my life. The plot by the MCA and MP to eliminate me began without my knowledge. They sent armed goons to attack me while I was heading home from work on 30th July 2024. I was severely injured; they thought I had died and decided to dump me in the Chania River that night, but fortunately, I was rescued by passersby in the morning.
Peter being rushed to hospital by after passersby stumbled upon him, half-dead
I was taken to Thika Level 5 Hospital to save my life and underwent a successful head operation due to brain injuries, leading to a subdural hematoma. I was in a coma for 14 days, and while I was still in the ICU, they continued to plan a second attempt on my life. Their intention was to eliminate me completely to keep me from revealing their scandalous secrets and to secure their chance at a second term in office.
Peter in hospital
After several failed attempts by the MCA and MP to send unidentified individuals, believed to be assassins, to visit me in the hospital, he planned to come himself but was denied entry to the High Dependency Unit (HDU). He even tried to identify himself as the MCA, claiming I was his PA, but thankfully, the security was effective, and he was stopped from accessing me.
This prompted my transfer to another hospital, and afterward, I had to go underground for my safety.
Peter after discharge from hospital
Peter Njihia hasn’t been seen in public since he was rushed to hospital on 31st July 2024, and his story shared through secret channels of whistleblowers is the first indication that he is even alive. But even so, his safety still remains a thorny issue – Is he safe? For how much longer? What of the powerful politicians still after his life?
Lastly, will courageous youth like Peter Njihia who speak up against good governance and get hurt in the process ever get justice? ?
Human Rights’ groups continue to decry the increasing political intolerance to criticism, accountability and activism with the youth being a soft target for bullies, abductors and rogue individuals within government. When will this end?
