Rodgers Oloo Magutha, the man known to many as the Nairobi Birdman, is looking toward a new chapter. In an exclusive chat with journalist Moses Sagwe, Oloo shared his future plans following a tense standoff with a Nairobi County official and KMPDU deputy secretary general.
The social media star has spent years in the city centre and the Dandora dumpsite. He is famous for his deep bond with scavenger birds like Marabou Storks and crows. However, a 24-hour ultimatum issued last week by Geoffrey Mosiria has since changed his path.
The Great Release
Oloo confirmed he has already begun the process of letting his feathered friends go. He prefers to handle the transition personally to ensure the birds are safe.
"For now, I am only with 3 birds because I have released the others," Oloo revealed.
He specifically mentioned parting ways with two of his most well-known companions.
A Vision for the Future
Despite the pressure to surrender his birds, Oloo is not stepping away from his passion. He believes his unique connection with wildlife should be used to benefit the nation. He is now calling for a formal partnership with the government.
"This is a rare talent which should make me the face of Kenya in the tourism and wildlife ministry," Oloo told Mpasho.
He argued that rather than receiving threats, he should be given a platform to work with like-minded organisations. He views himself as a potential asset for national branding.
"I should be treated as a country treasure because there will never be another Nairobi Birdman. It is high time that we too should be empowered. I need support on my journey," he added.
The Ultimatum and Health Fears
The move to release the birds follows a stern warning from Geoffrey Mosiria, the Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement. Mosiria had threatened legal action if the birds were not handed over to the Nairobi National Park.
Mosiria raised alarms about "bird flu" and other potential outbreaks. He compared the situation to the origins of other global health crises.
"Ata Ebola ilianza hivi, watu kuishi na monkey kwa nyumba," Mosiria warned.
These concerns were echoed by Dr Dennis Miskellah of the KMPDU. He pointed out the dangers of sharing meals with scavenger birds.
Oloo maintains that he is an environmentalist at heart. While many know him for his videos, his impact on the ground is significant. He has already planted more than 10,000 trees and has adopted a section of the Ngong River for regular cleanups.
He plans to continue this work while seeking a formal role in conservation. He believes his life's work shows that humans and animals can coexist peacefully in urban spaces.
