– 16 March 1922) was a Kikuyu woman[1] and a Kenyan political activist remembered for leading the protest after the arrest of Harry Thuku, that resulted in her death.
[2] Elizabeth Waruiru, in her account of the events on the evening of 15 March, named James Njoroge, a member of the East African Association (EAA) as the oath-giver.
Whether oathing raised their political awareness or a sense of discipline, women acted in unity the following day when it was clear that Thuku would not be freed.
[3] On the morning of 16 March, a delegation of six men were chosen from the crowd to meet with Sir Charles Bowring, the Colonial Secretary, who assured them that Thuku was in no danger and was only being detained while waiting for the government to grant him a full hearing.
[3] It was then that a large group of agitated women started pushing forcefully toward the gate, some shouting at the men that they were cowards and making accusations of bribery to the delegation.
[6] As Nyanjiru's actions unfolded, many of the women present ululated their approval in response, and the crowd surged forward until the police or askaris opened fire.
Thuku's own account of the day, having seen events unfold from his cell, relates that as the police fired from the front, other European settlers who had gathered at the Norfolk Hotel began shooting into the crowd from behind.
[10] Additionally, Nyanjiru's story was featured in an experimental theater production about Kenyan heroes and heroines titled Too Early for Birds.