Gerald Kyalo. (geraldbway).
Dennis Munyao, popularly known as Afande Denno, has become a household name in Kenya—not just for his time in the police service, but for his daring decision to defy the very institution he once served. His rise to prominence came during the Gen Z-led protests that swept across the country in 2024, a movement sparked by public anger over the government’s attempt to impose new taxes on essential goods and services.
Afande Denno made headlines when he chose the streets over his uniform, joining peaceful demonstrators to amplify the voice of ordinary Kenyans. Yet, his motivation was not rooted in political partisanship. “I wasn’t supporting the Gen Z protests; I was actually supporting anything peaceful. I was for peace,” Denno explains. “When you see someone protesting, there is a reason. You cannot protest for nothing.”
During the protests, Denno found himself walking a fine line between duty and conscience. On several occasions, he assisted in extinguishing bonfires lit by protesters near Kware Police Station in Embakasi. His colleagues, however, accused him of siding with demonstrators, a move that marked the beginning of his strained relationship with the National Police Service (NPS).
“These and other incidents got me transferred to Garissa, in Dadaab, as a way of punishing me. My social media activities, relating well with the public, and being part of the protests saw me summoned so many times,” Denno recalls. The mounting frustrations culminated in his resignation from the police force—a decision that was met with resistance from his superiors, who went as far as issuing a warrant for his arrest.
Family played a critical role in Denno’s transition. “I was very happy when they suspended me. Some officers contributed around Ksh.10,000, and I managed to come back, settled in Thika at a friend’s house, and started doing content. Things were not easy. I called my mum and told her what had happened. She was very receptive to my move and encouraged me,” he says. The unwavering support of his family gave him the courage to step into a new chapter of his life, one that involved leaving behind the relative stability of police work for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship and content creation.
Today, Afande Denno runs a small but thriving business in Imara Daima, Nairobi, selling boiled corn, popularly known as mahindi boilo. His venture began with help from friends and well-wishers. “A friend of mine gifted me the sufurias, Mike Sonko gave the jiko, and the stock was given to me by a guy I helped when he had a case,” he narrates. Leveraging his social media following, Denno has been able to turn his small kibanda into a profitable enterprise, selling over 200 pieces of maize daily.
Despite leaving the police service, Denno does not harbor regrets. He fondly remembers his time in uniform but acknowledges that chapter of his life is over. “I liked my work as a police officer, but that phase has now passed. I don’t think I can ever go back to the police service. Where they transferred me to made me leave. I wanted to work in Nairobi to reform the youth, help them become better persons in society,” he says.
Afande Denno’s dedication to community service has also earned him unexpected rewards. His followers, appreciative of his efforts, have gifted him two houses, recognizing the positive impact he has had in the community. Beyond business, Denno has a vision to uplift the youth, particularly the boy child, who he believes has been historically neglected. “Parents used to call me to help correct their sons who were going astray,” he says. His focus is on mentoring the youth, encouraging self-sufficiency, and nurturing responsible future citizens.
Looking ahead, Denno’s ambitions extend into politics. He intends to run for Member of County Assembly (MCA), aiming to bring tangible changes to the Imara Daima and Embakasi communities. “We want to help as many youth as possible to be self-sufficient. I want to vie for MCA and change the Imara Daima and Embakasi community,” he reveals, highlighting his commitment to turning his grassroots experience into meaningful leadership.
Afande Denno’s journey from a police officer confronting systemic challenges, to a protest participant, and now a community-focused entrepreneur and aspiring politician, embodies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of following one’s convictions. His story resonates not only because of his bold choices but also because of the tangible ways he continues to impact lives around him—from mentoring young people to building a small business that feeds hundreds daily.
In a country where youth unemployment and social unrest are pressing issues, Denno’s narrative offers hope. It demonstrates that change is possible, even when it means taking a path less traveled. For Afande Denno, the streets are no longer a place of protest—they are a canvas for entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a platform for political aspirations. His journey reminds Kenyans that courage, resilience, and community focus can transform lives—and even a simple mahindi boilo stand can become a symbol of empowerment.
Afande Denno made headlines when he chose the streets over his uniform, joining peaceful demonstrators to amplify the voice of ordinary Kenyans. Yet, his motivation was not rooted in political partisanship. “I wasn’t supporting the Gen Z protests; I was actually supporting anything peaceful. I was for peace,” Denno explains. “When you see someone protesting, there is a reason. You cannot protest for nothing.”
During the protests, Denno found himself walking a fine line between duty and conscience. On several occasions, he assisted in extinguishing bonfires lit by protesters near Kware Police Station in Embakasi. His colleagues, however, accused him of siding with demonstrators, a move that marked the beginning of his strained relationship with the National Police Service (NPS).
“These and other incidents got me transferred to Garissa, in Dadaab, as a way of punishing me. My social media activities, relating well with the public, and being part of the protests saw me summoned so many times,” Denno recalls. The mounting frustrations culminated in his resignation from the police force—a decision that was met with resistance from his superiors, who went as far as issuing a warrant for his arrest.
Family played a critical role in Denno’s transition. “I was very happy when they suspended me. Some officers contributed around Ksh.10,000, and I managed to come back, settled in Thika at a friend’s house, and started doing content. Things were not easy. I called my mum and told her what had happened. She was very receptive to my move and encouraged me,” he says. The unwavering support of his family gave him the courage to step into a new chapter of his life, one that involved leaving behind the relative stability of police work for the uncertainty of entrepreneurship and content creation.
Today, Afande Denno runs a small but thriving business in Imara Daima, Nairobi, selling boiled corn, popularly known as mahindi boilo. His venture began with help from friends and well-wishers. “A friend of mine gifted me the sufurias, Mike Sonko gave the jiko, and the stock was given to me by a guy I helped when he had a case,” he narrates. Leveraging his social media following, Denno has been able to turn his small kibanda into a profitable enterprise, selling over 200 pieces of maize daily.
Despite leaving the police service, Denno does not harbor regrets. He fondly remembers his time in uniform but acknowledges that chapter of his life is over. “I liked my work as a police officer, but that phase has now passed. I don’t think I can ever go back to the police service. Where they transferred me to made me leave. I wanted to work in Nairobi to reform the youth, help them become better persons in society,” he says.
Afande Denno’s dedication to community service has also earned him unexpected rewards. His followers, appreciative of his efforts, have gifted him two houses, recognizing the positive impact he has had in the community. Beyond business, Denno has a vision to uplift the youth, particularly the boy child, who he believes has been historically neglected. “Parents used to call me to help correct their sons who were going astray,” he says. His focus is on mentoring the youth, encouraging self-sufficiency, and nurturing responsible future citizens.
Looking ahead, Denno’s ambitions extend into politics. He intends to run for Member of County Assembly (MCA), aiming to bring tangible changes to the Imara Daima and Embakasi communities. “We want to help as many youth as possible to be self-sufficient. I want to vie for MCA and change the Imara Daima and Embakasi community,” he reveals, highlighting his commitment to turning his grassroots experience into meaningful leadership.
Afande Denno’s journey from a police officer confronting systemic challenges, to a protest participant, and now a community-focused entrepreneur and aspiring politician, embodies resilience, courage, and the transformative power of following one’s convictions. His story resonates not only because of his bold choices but also because of the tangible ways he continues to impact lives around him—from mentoring young people to building a small business that feeds hundreds daily.
In a country where youth unemployment and social unrest are pressing issues, Denno’s narrative offers hope. It demonstrates that change is possible, even when it means taking a path less traveled. For Afande Denno, the streets are no longer a place of protest—they are a canvas for entrepreneurship, mentorship, and a platform for political aspirations. His journey reminds Kenyans that courage, resilience, and community focus can transform lives—and even a simple mahindi boilo stand can become a symbol of empowerment.
