
Renowned media personality, author, and human rights advocate Janet Mbugua has disclosed that her decision to wear a sack and join protesters in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) was entirely spontaneous.
The philanthropist and mother of two emphasized that the act was unplanned, explaining that she had not anticipated marching alongside fellow citizens dressed in sacks when she started her day.
Reflecting on the incident, the former news anchor remarked that she simply found herself in the right place at the right time.
“Sometimes we are too early, and other times too late. My initial plan was to join a group of praying mothers to seek guidance and healing for our nation, which continues to experience severe human rights violations. Unfortunately, I couldn’t wait for the group’s arrival,” Janet explained. She shared her experience in a video compilation that captured the unfolding events in the streets.
She went on to criticize Kenyan police for using excessive force, unlawfully arresting peaceful protesters, and interrupting demonstrations—incidents she witnessed and documented in her videos shared online.
Highlighting her concerns, Janet wrote, “As evident in the footage, police intolerance, illegal arrests, and the ongoing struggle for justice remain persistent issues.”
Celebrating the recent release of young individuals who had been abducted and detained, Janet described the moment as bittersweet.
While expressing relief that some of the abductees were reunited with their families, she lamented the gross violation of their freedoms. She also voiced concern over the many others who remain unaccounted for, while their captors walk free.

In closing, Janet encouraged Kenyans to resist oppression and actively support the pursuit of justice through all possible means.
“Although it’s a relief that some abductees have been freed, the fact that they were held for days—amid police denial of involvement—is deeply troubling. We must continue to highlight these critical issues whenever and wherever we can. #EndAbductionsKE #JusticeForAll #DefendDemocracy,” she concluded.
Last year, during protests against the Reject Finance Bill 2024, Mbugua expressed alarm over reports of killings, divisive rhetoric, and the failure to address systemic governance issues.
She advocated for sustainable solutions to tackle escalating human rights abuses and warned against inflammatory language during moments of unrest.
Standing in solidarity with ongoing demonstrations, she echoed the national pledge, “Justice be our shield and defender,” as a call for unity and justice.