MAKENA NJERI OPENS UP ABOUT BEING HOMELESS

Former BBC journalist Makena Njeri shared a series of lengthy messages to celebrate her 30th birthday. Through her social media accounts, the journalist celebrated her younger self while reminiscing her life as a teenager. 

“The innocence that comes with being a teenager should be nurtured more. I celebrate the younger me on this first post because that person was brave, resilient and determined. I celebrate the younger me who dared to dream and aimed for the stars. The younger me knew that from a very young age I would be treated differently by an inhumane society but still kept pushing forward knowing that freedom lies ahead,” Makena wrote in part. 

Makena narrated how her life in the 20s were, talking of the challenges she faced and how she successfully managed to deal with them. “Then came my 20’s! Another decade I will forever be grateful for. I never imagined that at one point in my life I would make the decision to jump and come to the big city! Nairobi. I came here for a reason and it’s only now ten years later that I understand it even more,” she said. 

“One night you are sleeping on a bench in the streets in the middle of the capital city, the next few years you are a trending topic every time you choose to speak and live your truth, the next season you find your purpose and start to walk that journey without fear. All these things have required a lot from me! A lot of braveness, strength, vulnerability, failure, pain, loss, shame but the rewards have given me a reason to keep pushing.” 

Lastly, Makena said she is ready for her 30s and that she has shed off all the doubt and the fear that she had, “My next powerful decade! My thirties I am here to receive all the blessings you come with. I have shed off all the doubt, the fear, the anger and continue working on myself with intent. I picked up a few lessons that I want to share that I believe anyone who is looking to grow will relate with or learn something new,” she wrote. 

Adding; “I don’t want to be put on pedestal, I won’t meet your expectations. I don’t want to be remembered as a perfect person, I want to be remembered as I am, in my whole existence which includes my flaws for they make me who I am.”

Makena also promised to continue supporting the LGBTQ community and help them earn the freedom they have been longing for, “Ready for my new season. I will continue to do the work I do because it’s my life’s purpose. I will continue to encourage my community members to remember who we are and not let society make us lesser humans. The LGBTQ community in Kenya and Africa will soon know what freedom to live and love feels like on your own soil. We are here to stay and we are here to get bolder by the day! All humans are equal. I love you all! Thank you for the birthday wishes and love,” she concluded.