By Joseph Maina
James Njoroge Ndungu, the son of Honorable Wainaina Njoroge, has fled with his family after their family business, Chieni Supermarket, was set on fire following looting by angry youths. This incident occurred during the violent operation dubbed “Kusalimia Wasaliti” (translated as “greeting traitors” or attacking perceived betrayers), a retaliation from the community after his father voted “Yes” in support of Kenya’s controversial 2024 Finance Bill.
The Bible says that a son does not bear the iniquity of his father, and that each person is responsible for their own sins. However, this is an exception for James Ndungu. The passing of 2024 finance bill during its Second Reading in Parliament was the reason for his predicament. Even though many voted, his fate was sealed when his Father’s single “Yes” vote was registered in support of the finance bill. The public, maybe could forgive anything else but raging youths who has gone around “greeting” beating, hurting and attacking all those who voted yes can not forgive this sin against him. His father have eaten sour grapes, and James’s teeth are set on edge.
While his father has undoubtedly faced consequences for his vote, James finds himself caught in the crossfire, unjustly bearing the weight of his father’s decision.
James and his family are now part of a growing list of Kenyans whose lives have been irrevocably disrupted by the protests. Many have faced police brutality or violent civil actions, resulting in deaths, injuries, and destruction of livelihoods. Among the casualties are notable incidents, including the tragic shooting of Rex Masai and others who fell victim to the chaos. Parents mourn their children, accusing the police of murder and the government of failing to deliver justice. Businesses such as Chieni Supermarket and establishments like Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi’s Club Timba XO in Eldoret have been reduced to ashes, symbolizing the scale of destruction.
A Call for Reflection and Prayer
As the nation grapples with this turmoil, many Kenyans are left wondering: Where is the country headed? To prevent further devastation, prayers are being offered, pleading for God to intervene. Just as God softened Pharaoh’s heart to let the Israelites go, there is hope that President Ruto will act decisively and compassionately to save Kenya from its current crisis.
Kenya has endured dark days before, but for much of the younger generation—those who were not alive during the 1982 coup or the 1997 post-election violence—this is the darkest period they have experienced. The pain becomes even more profound when it strikes close to home, as it has for James Njoroge Ndungu.
Despite the hardships, James has not regretted his public support for President William Ruto. However, as a businessman and the son of a Member of Parliament for Kieni in Nyeri County, that support has come at a steep price.
The youth have vowed not to relent until they feel justice has been served. Whether their cause is justified or not is a complex question, but the plight of the innocent remains undeniable.
