Njeri Mwangi is more than just the wife of well-known Kenyan activist Boniface Mwangi. She’s a force in her own right, using her passion for activism, journalism and art to make a difference in Kenya and beyond.
As the co-founder of Pawa254, Njeri has helped build a unique creative hub where artists, activists and entrepreneurs come together to inspire change. Through Pawa254, Njeri and her team empower young people to use their creative talents to tackle social issues, from gender-based violence to climate change. The name Pawa254 combines the word “power” in Swahili and Kenya’s country code, “254,” symbolizing strength and unity. The organization’s mission is simple, to connect art with activism and drive positive social change.
Njeri on several occasions became involved in various protests and has always supported Boniface in his fight for justice, even when it meant standing with him during his difficult moments, like when he was detained during a trip to Tanzania to witness the trial of opposition leader Tundu Lissu.
As a journalist, Njeri has also produced powerful investigative work, like the BBC Africa Eye documentaries “Forced to Beg: Tanzania’s Trafficked Kids” and “The Baby Stealers”. These hard-hitting stories exposed human trafficking and the underground baby trade, sparking change and leading to action from authorities.
Despite the challenges she faces as an activist, Njeri has managed to find a balance between her personal life and her public work. She’s a dedicated mother of three children and believes in raising them to understand the importance of standing up for what’s right. For Njeri, it’s all about teaching her children resilience, compassion and the power of using their voices for social change.
Through all of her work, Njeri Mwangi has proven that art and activism can go hand in hand. She has created spaces for change, used her platform to tell powerful stories and continues to inspire a new generation to speak up and take action.
Learn more about Njeri Mwangi’s journey on #ShangaziPower:
