A middle-aged man has been arrested in Nairobi after being caught with parts of the vandalised Dedan Kimathi statue along Kimathi Street in the Central Business District. The incident has sparked public outrage and renewed calls for better protection of national monuments and heritage sites.
According to county officials, the suspect was apprehended after officers on patrol noticed him behaving suspiciously while carrying a large sack near the statue. Upon inspection, the officers discovered that the sack contained parts of the iconic statue that honours Kenya’s freedom hero, Dedan Kimathi. When questioned, the man claimed he had found the statue pieces on the ground.
Authorities immediately handed him over to the police, where he was detained at the Central Police Station for further interrogation and investigation. The county government stated that the suspect’s actions were being treated as a serious offense, given the symbolic importance of the monument to Kenya’s history and independence struggle.
The Dedan Kimathi statue, which stands prominently along Kimathi Street, serves as a lasting tribute to the Mau Mau leader who led resistance efforts against British colonial rule. For years, it has been a cultural and historical landmark representing Kenya’s resilience and the fight for freedom. The defacement of such a national symbol has angered many Nairobi residents, who view it as an act of disrespect toward the country’s heroes.
Following the incident, the Nairobi County Government announced that restoration work on the statue will commence soon to return it to its original state. A special anti-vandalism unit has also been deployed to track down individuals targeting public installations, monuments, and sculptures across the city.
Residents have expressed disappointment and called for increased security measures, including the installation of surveillance cameras and more frequent patrols in areas with significant cultural landmarks. They emphasized that safeguarding such monuments is essential to preserving Kenya’s national identity and honouring the legacy of its heroes.
Officials have reassured the public of their continued commitment to protecting and maintaining historical and cultural heritage sites. The arrest marks a strong stance against vandalism, sending a message that acts of destruction against public monuments will not be tolerated.
