Agnes Wangechi Muchiri was raised in a remote area of Tana River County and began her career with the Kenya Police Service in 2008.
She is currently stationed at the DCI headquarters in Nairobi.
Today, Wangechi is recognized as an exceptional marksman, competing alongside some of the world’s finest sharpshooters.
With a collection of at least 20 awards from both local and international competitions, her most recent achievement was securing the runner-up position at the 2022 Swiss International IDPA Championship.
Previously, Wangechi was honored as the best female Extrasensory Perception (ESP) Sharpshooter.
She is an alumnus of Kenya Methodist University, where she earned a diploma in psychological counseling.
Wangechi attributes her outstanding marksmanship to her unwavering determination, deep passion for challenging pursuits, and diligent effort.
“Since I was a young girl, I always had to do things that were a little scary, challenging and adventurous, even a little crazy. I like riding bikes like boys, climbing trees and often ended up brawling with boys,” she said.
Growing up, Wangechi always thought she would become a business lady.
The aspiration to become a DCI officer was akin to a fairy tale, yet her adventurous spirit, defying all expectations, led her to pursue a path that many women typically avoid.
After entering the police force in 2008, Wangechi quickly realized that the journey to becoming an officer is far from easy.
“Of course, the idea of having a steady job with good pay at the end of the month also greatly motivated me…When I reported as a recruit constable at the Kiganjo Police Training College in Nyeri County, I did not know anything about guns,” she said.
Upon taking her first shot with a firearm, a wave of cold apprehension coursed through her, yet as time progressed, she developed greater assurance and began to successfully hit her targets.
Following her graduation from Kiganjo, Wangechi became a member of the Coast Province Police Shooting Team to further her enthusiasm for the sport.
In this capacity, she engaged in various shooting competitions, frequently achieving top honors. In 2018, she was reassigned to Nairobi, where she was introduced to a shooting club.
Notably, Wangechi reflects that during her early days as a shooter, her ability to hit targets was largely a matter of chance due to her insufficient training.
In 2021, she encountered Ibrahim Ndung’u at the Bamburi Rifle Shooting Club, who generously offered to provide her with training and mentorship.
Wangechi’s years of dedication culminated in her securing first place in the ESP Sharpshooter Division within the ladies’ category.
“He passionately trained me…I did not look back. I continued getting training from Master Ibra as we used to call him, and I am grateful to God I have never missed the podium,” says the woman of Faith.
Wangechi acknowledges that her pursuit of a career in law enforcement has not been without its difficulties.
The challenges she faces encompass demanding training and strenuous exercises designed to ensure that only the most resilient individuals prevail.
Furthermore, even after surmounting these obstacles, women are required to exert additional effort to gain acceptance within a predominantly male police culture.
Throughout her journey, Wangechi’s family and friends have consistently been her primary supporters, providing encouragement in her professional endeavors.
“I got more friends and we even became closer. Funny thing is that they do not fear me because they say I do not look like a police officer – whatever that means,” she stated.
Wangechi expressed that juggling her professional responsibilities alongside her parental obligations is quite challenging.
Among the key lessons she has acquired are the importance of establishing a routine, prioritizing her responsibilities, working with efficiency, and allocating time for both herself and her children.
During difficult moments, Wangechi finds comfort in spiritual practices, which serve as her most significant source of support.
“I also purpose to stay strong no matter the situation I am facing, and over time I have learnt the importance of taking each day at a time,” she says.