Kenyan Man Arrested After Attempting to Flee With Dedan Kimathi Statue From Uhuru Park

By Collins Wasike 

In a bizarre twist of events that left Nairobi residents stunned, a man was arrested after allegedly attempting to flee with the iconic Dedan Kimathi statue from Uhuru Park. The statue, a revered symbol of Kenya’s fight for independence, was reported missing early Sunday morning, prompting a swift response from local authorities.

Eyewitnesses say the suspect, identified only as a middle-aged man from Eastlands, was seen dragging the statue—still partially bolted to its pedestal—toward a waiting pickup truck parked near Kenyatta Avenue. The brazen act unfolded in broad daylight, drawing a crowd of shocked onlookers who quickly alerted police.

Police arrived within minutes and apprehended the suspect before he could load the statue onto the vehicle. Officers noted that the statue’s rifle—an integral part of the monument—had already been removed, possibly in an earlier act of vandalism.

The suspect reportedly told authorities he intended to “preserve the legacy” of Kimathi in his own way, though investigators suspect the motive may have been financial. The statue, made of bronze and valued at millions of shillings, has long stood as a tribute to the Mau Mau leader’s defiance against colonial rule.

The incident has sparked outrage online, with many Kenyans calling for tighter security around national monuments. A TikToker recently slammed looters for desecrating the statue, reminding viewers that “Huyu ni freedom fighter”.

The suspect is currently in custody and faces charges of theft and destruction of public property. Authorities have confirmed the statue will be restored and reinstalled at Uhuru Park.