This archive report was first published on 9 August 2019.
Exploitation Allegations ¶
Wendy Waeni, a 14-year-old Kenyan gymnast, has accused her former manager, Joe Mwangi, of exploiting her talent and expertise to mint money for himself. In an interview with Jeff Koinange on Citizen TV, Waeni revealed that despite showcasing her talent globally, her family lives in poverty.
Waeni shared a photo of her family's single-room house in Huruma, Nairobi, where her mother sells sweets and cigarettes to feed the family. She also revealed that her mother has never received a single penny from her performances, despite her showcasing her talent across the globe.
Waeni's story has touched the hearts of many, with some urging her to forward the matter to the DCI for swift action to be taken against her ex-manager, Joe Mwangi.
Denials and Evidence ¶
Joe Mwangi has denied the allegations, claiming that he has never traveled with Waeni outside the country. However, a video posted by TV47's managing director, Eugene Anangwe, shows Mwangi in the company of Waeni back in 2016 when she met Rwanda's president, Paul Kagame.
Waeni also revealed that Joe Mwangi controls her social media accounts and uses them for selfish gains. She noted that she has never had access to her social media accounts and that Joe Mwangi has been using them to enrich himself.
Reactions ¶
Kenyans have been reacting to the allegations, with some calling for Joe Mwangi to be charged with international crimes of Child Slavery and Trafficking. Donald B Kipkorir tweeted, 'Wendy Waeni is a child & I trust her word … Joe Mwangi used her & her social media accounts to enrich himself … Joe exploited her innocence to get access to Presidents & powerful men … Joe Mwangi should be charged with international crimes of Child Slavery & Trafficking.'
