This archive report was first published on 8 August 2019.
Wendy Waeni, a 14-year-old gymnast and UNICEF Champion for Children's Rights Ambassador, has spoken out against her former manager Joe Mwangi, accusing him of exploiting her and taking all her performance money.
Appearing on JKL Live, Waeni explained that despite touring the world and performing for several high-profile individuals, including three Presidents and a Prime Minister, she has never received a single penny from her performances.
Waeni's mother still lives in Huruma slums, where she struggles to make ends meet by selling sweets and cigarettes at night.
Waeni, who has performed in countries such as Rwanda, Germany, and China, said, 'I have been performing all over the world and right now I live in Huruma because of Joe Mwangi. I have performed in Rwanda, Germany, China and I have not gotten even a single penny, my mother is really suffering, as we talk she sells sweets and cigarettes at night and we live in a single room. It is really very sad people are telling me I’m rude, that I’m a brat because I post things on Instagram which I don’t know. I don’t have access to my social media accounts, its Joe Mwangi who controls them.'
Waeni has forgiven Mwangi and is only asking for him to return her social media accounts, saying, 'One request for him, I forgive you but please return my Instagram password and all my social media accounts.'
Waeni's story has sparked concern, with many calling for Mwangi to be held accountable for his actions.
