An emotional act of kindness by Nairobi County Chief Environment Officer Geoffrey Mosiria took an unexpected turn when a woman he tried to help revealed she had ulterior motives. What began as a compassionate effort to reunite a struggling mother with her rural home ended in frustration and disappointment, sparking a wave of debate among Kenyans online.
The incident occurred during an interview in which Mosiria shared aspects of his personal life and fatherhood. During the session, he encountered a woman living on the streets with two children. She claimed her husband had abandoned her, leaving her with no choice but to survive on the streets. Moved by her plea, Mosiria decided to assist her in returning to her home in Kitale.
He paid KSh 1,600 for her transport and even arranged for the driver to give her KSh 500 as pocket money once she arrived. However, things took an unexpected turn. After boarding the vehicle, the woman reportedly changed her mind about the trip and demanded a refund of KSh 500 from the fare. When the driver tried to inform Mosiria, the woman allegedly fled the scene.
The experience left Mosiria disappointed, prompting him to share the story publicly. He expressed concern over the intentions of some individuals who beg on the streets, stating that many may not actually want to change their circumstances. He also raised the alarm about a troubling trend where women reportedly hire children to elicit public sympathy and exploit the generosity of well-meaning citizens.
He called for firm action from city authorities to protect children being exposed to dangerous conditions and used for manipulation. According to him, genuine cases of homelessness should be addressed through structured support, including reintegration and counseling. However, those who refuse assistance should be compelled to leave the streets, especially if children are being used as pawns.
The revelation has sparked a range of responses online. Some have defended the woman, arguing that deeper support, such as psychosocial rehabilitation and financial assistance, may be necessary before expecting someone to willingly return to a rural life. Others applauded Mosiria for taking a firm stance and called for the city to clear out fraudulent beggars who exploit public compassion.
This incident isn’t the first time Mosiria has extended help to street dwellers. He previously supported a young homeless boy by enrolling him in school and placing him in a children’s home. Before the transition, Mosiria ensured the boy was cleaned up, dressed in new clothes, and given a renewed sense of dignity.
His recent encounter has stirred broader conversations around urban homelessness, the responsibilities of city authorities, and the psychological and economic complexities surrounding street life. While some see Mosiria’s actions as harsh, others commend his honest exposure of what they view as a recurring problem in Kenya’s major cities. The debate continues, but the core message remains: protecting vulnerable children and ensuring genuine help reaches the truly needy must remain a priority.
