The social media sensation known as the Nairobi Birdman has finally broken his silence. In a candid chat with journalist Moses Sagwe, the content creator revealed he has surrendered the majority of his avian companions. This follows a high-profile 24-hour ultimatum from Nairobi County officials.
The Birdman, whose real name is often associated with his public environmental work, confirmed he is down to a skeleton crew of feathered friends.
"For now, I am only with 3 birds because I have released the others today," he told Sagwe last week.
The Great Release
The decision to part ways with his birds was not easy. For years, the Birdman has been seen in Nairobi’s city centre and the Dandora dumpsite surrounded by dozens of birds. He has cared for species ranging from Marabou Storks and Barn Owls to African Sacred Ibises and Pigeons.
However, following the recent pressure, he began the process of breaking the bond. He highlighted two specific birds that have now returned to the wild.
The 24-Hour Ultimatum
The move comes after Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement, issued a stern warning. Mosiria gave the Birdman 24 hours to hand over the birds to the Nairobi National Park or face legal action.
Mosiria expressed concerns that keeping wild birds in a residential setting could spark a public health crisis.
"Ata Ebola ilianza hivi, watu kuishi na monkey kwa nyumba," Mosiria warned in a viral video. "Sasa ukiishi hivo utatuletea bird flu ambayo italeta shida Kenya ianze kutoka kwako itembee Kenya mzima tuanze kuwa na ugonjwa wa ndege".
"I am breaking the bond with the birds and I will sure visit him [Mosiria] because he told me that I am going to be empowered,” Birdman confirmed.
Zoonotic Fears
The controversy was initially sparked by Dr Dennis Miskellah, the Deputy Secretary General of the KMPDU. He raised the alarm over videos showing the Birdman sharing meals with scavenger birds.
"While this looks funny, it won't be funny when he contracts and spreads zoonotic diseases," Dr Miskellah posted on social media.
According to the World Health Organisation, zoonotic diseases are a significant threat. Statistics show that 60% of emerging infectious diseases globally are zoonotic, meaning they jump from animals to humans.
"Wanyama wanakula vitu zimekufa na wewe unakula na wao sahani moja. Utacontract virus ambayo itakuwa shida kwetu Wakenya."
Despite the health warnings, the Birdman maintains that his connection to the birds is a unique talent. He denied being at risk, noting he has lived and eaten alongside these birds for years without falling ill.
"Every bird I meet, we form a strong bond," he explained. "I view this unique ability as a gift."
Beyond his birds, the Birdman is an active environmentalist. He has planted more than 10,000 trees and has adopted Ngong River Zone 6 for cleanup. He now hopes the county will offer him a platform to use his talents for national tourism rather than issuing threats.
