The Diverse Characters Present in any Maandamano

Maandamano (Protests) hold a significant place in Kenya’s history, embodying the spirit of change and expressing collective concerns. Irrespective of their cause, location, or magnitude, protests attract a diverse array of individuals, each representing different backgrounds, beliefs, and motivations.

As the nation grapples with political demonstrations, it becomes apparent that the participants embody a rich tapestry of characters, each playing a significant role in shaping the course of these events.

The Political Fanatic

At the heart of any Kenyan protest, you will find passionate activists who dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to a specific cause. These individuals are deeply committed to effecting change and are often well-versed in the issues they advocate for.

Meet Samuel Njoroge (fictional character), an ardent supporter of a prominent political figure. Clad in party regalia, he is a firm believer in his leader’s vision and shows unwavering loyalty to their cause.

Whenever Maandamano are called, Samuel sacrifices his daily commitments to answer the call of his beloved leader.

The Suicidal Demonstrator

Among the crowd during the ongoing Kenyan protests, we encounter Jane Achieng, a desperate soul seeking an outlet for her pain. Driven to the brink by life’s hardships, she sees Maandamano as a last resort, where she confronts security forces with a fearless desperation.

“Hakuna kama kuwa hai kwa nchi hii (There’s nothing worse than being alive in this country),” Jane muttered, her eyes reflecting the deep frustration that pushes her towards perilous acts.

The Idler Turned Protester/Onlookers

Every protest draws a crowd of curious onlookers who are not directly involved in the cause. They may be passersby, tourists, or individuals who stumbled upon the demonstration accidentally.

These individuals are always good at giving account of what happened at the protests. You will find them in primetime news named as “eyewitnesses”

The Publicity Seeker

The Publicity Seeker is a distinct character often found during Kenyan protests. This individual seeks attention and media coverage rather than being genuinely committed to the cause at hand.

They see the protest as an opportunity to gain personal recognition, enhance their public image, or promote their own agenda, rather than focusing on the collective goal of the demonstration.

The Publicity Seeker tends to engage in attention-grabbing actions, often designed to attract cameras and media attention. They may be inclined to stage dramatic or provocative acts, disregarding the principles of peaceful protest in an effort to stand out.

Read also: Tear Gas: The Bittersweet Tool for Crowd Control in Kenyan Protests

Grace Wanjiku (fictional character) is a ubiquitous figure in every Maandamano, positioning herself strategically whenever cameras are present. She thrives on controversy, providing bold opinions to garner attention.

“Kenyans need to wake up! We must be heard, and if that means being in the spotlight, then so be it!” Grace confidently exclaimed, seizing the opportunity to express her views on national television.

The Mischievous Instigator

The Mischievous Instigator employs aggressive tactics to provoke law enforcement or other protesters, seeking to escalate tensions and create confrontations. They usually engage in verbal abuse, taunts, or provocative gestures to elicit reactions from others.

Nairobi, Kenya: Known as “Kiboko” within the protest circles, this character is heard shouting and throwing stones at the law enforcers seeking to incite chaos and destruction. Fueled by the belief that peaceful demonstrations are ineffective, Kiboko takes it upon himself to provoke unrest.

“The system must fall! It’s time to dismantle it, one protest at a time,” Kiboko declared with fervor, rallying others to join him in disruptive acts.

The Genuine Disciplined Voice

The Genuine Disciplined Voice during protests exemplifies composure, emotional intelligence, and a commitment to nonviolent communication. They respect the rule of law, advocate for peaceful means of protest, and engage in thoughtful planning to maximize the impact of demonstrations while avoiding unintended consequences.

Their empathy and inclusivity foster a united movement that acknowledges diverse perspectives. They actively engage with media and the public, ensuring clear communication of the protest’s purpose and demands.

The Fearful Spectator

These individuals may want to express solidarity with the protesters and support the cause but fear potential repercussions from authorities or other influential entities. In a politically charged environment, speaking out can be risky, leading to potential harassment, threats, or even legal consequences.

As a result, they prefer to remain on the sidelines, observing from a distance. They usually post their views on social media platforms anonymously.

“I support their cause, but I have a family to take care of. I can’t risk my life,” Timothy shared, observing the events from the sidelines.

The Opportunist Looter

The Opportunist Looter capitalizes on the unrest and disruption caused by protests to break into businesses, shops, and public property with the intention of stealing valuable items, merchandise, or goods.

They are often opportunistic and act swiftly, seizing the chance to loot when law enforcement is occupied with controlling the crowd or when attention is diverted from specific areas.

These individuals do not have any genuine interest in the cause or the grievances being protested; instead, they exploit the situation solely for personal gain.

The Content Creator

The Content Creator is responsible for documenting the protest’s unfolding events, capturing significant moments, speeches, and interactions. Their presence helps preserve the history and impact of the protest for posterity, creating a record of the demonstrations and the issues they seek to address.

Many of these individuals usually do this for fun, bringing a sense of humor during these dark times.

Amongst the demonstrators is badgerlevite, a Tik Toker capturing the protests in a funny way through his smartphone.

in video

The “Tide/Wave” Follower

These individuals at times lucks knowledge about what the protests are usually about. They join in just to be seen.

The Tide/Wave Follower seizes the opportunity to join a protest when it gains widespread attention and media coverage. They may not have been actively engaged in the cause before, but the growing momentum and visibility of the protest prompt them to join in for the sake of being part of a notable event.

Within the diverse crowd, we encounter Faith Wairimu (Fictional character), whose involvement in the protests stems from joining the momentum of chanting crowds. She may not fully grasp the nuances of the cause but feels compelled to be part of something significant.

“The energy here is electrifying! We all want change, right? So, I’ll join and chant with them,” Faith expressed, caught up in the spirited atmosphere of Maandamano.

Read also: Maandamano Mania: A Trendy Way to Protest In Kenya

As the Maandamano continue to reverberate across Kenya, these diverse characters play pivotal roles in shaping the nation’s journey towards change. However, amidst the cacophony of motivations, the true essence of the movement remains a vital point of contemplation.

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