Nate Simphiwe, the firstborn son of Boniface Mwangi, has candidly revealed why he does not see himself following in his father’s footsteps as a street activist, despite growing up around one of Kenya’s most visible voices in social justice and governance.
Speaking on the Mic Cheque Podcast, Nate explained that although he strongly believes in his father’s vision for a better Kenya, his experiences growing up made him choose a different path.
Rather than engaging in confrontational activism and street demonstrations, Nate said he prefers structured leadership, civic education and policy-based approaches to creating change.
Growing up, Nate said he initially struggled to understand why his father was frequently absent from home. As a child, he did not always understand that many of those absences were linked to arrests, intimidation, injuries and the risks that came with activism.
Over time, he came to understand that his father’s public life involved more than speeches and demonstrations.
Nate explained that witnessing the realities surrounding his father’s activism influenced his own choices later in life.
Having seen the effects of state crackdowns and pressure directed toward his family, he decided he did not want to take the same route.
However, distancing himself from street activism did not mean walking away from civic responsibility entirely.
Instead, he has chosen to participate differently.
According to Nate, he remains actively interested in governance and civic engagement, but through less confrontational methods such as voter awareness initiatives, leadership conversations and community organization.
In the podcast, he revealed details of his wallet which carries his voter registration card and his father’s manifesto with him, a detail that reflects just how deeply political awareness has been embedded into his daily life.
While much of his discussion touched on serious themes, Nate also shared humorous moments that highlighted the unusual realities of growing up under a famously patriotic father.
One story that particularly stood out involved playful conversations with his friends.
Nate joked that while his friends often enjoyed having fathers who prioritized family time, his own experience felt slightly different.
“I used to crack jokes with my friends like you guys your fathers put you first, me it’s Kenya then the rest of us. We get what is left” he joked.
Another lighter story from the podcast offered insight into Boniface Mwangi’s parenting style and his views on personal freedom.
Nate recalled wanting to pierce his ears at the age of 13. He explained that he had spent months asking his mother, Njeri, for permission, but she repeatedly rejected the idea.
He recounted how Boniface took him to get the procedure done despite earlier resistance from his mom.
Boniface later explained that his decision was rooted in his belief that children should have bodily autonomy and freedom of expression.
