A person of interest was on Sunday, October 12, 2025, apprehended in connection with the vandalism of the iconic Dedan Kimathi statue at Freedom Corner in Nairobi.

Residents discovered the statue’s head severed and parts of the monument damaged, sparking concern over the security of national monuments.

The person of interest is currently in custody at Central Police Station as authorities continue investigations.

Suspect apprehended with statue parts

A video circulating on social media showed the man parading the severed statue head through Nairobi’s central business district before being apprehended.

The Dedan Kimathi statue, erected in 2007 to honour the Mau Mau freedom fighter executed by British colonial forces in 1957, is a key symbol of Kenya’s struggle for independence and national identity.

According to Nairobi County Government Protocol Officer Rodriques Lunalo, the person of interest was intercepted carrying a large sack near Kimathi Street in the central business district.

“After vandalism, we saw a man carrying a huge sack within the vicinity, and we decided to check out what he was carrying inside the sack. After checking, we found parts of the statue,” Lunalo explained.

The anti-vandalism police unit arrested the individual, who is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday, October 13, 2025.

Authorities condemn vandalism

Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria condemned the act, warning that illegal scrap metal dealers will face strict action.

In a Facebook post, Mosiria shared a video in which the suspect admitted to breaking into Uhuru Park to vandalise the statue with the intention of selling it for Ksh250.

“Mimi ni mwizi. Nimeingia Uhuru Park, na nimeimba Dedan Kimathi, nilikua nimeenda kuipima,” the person of interest confessed, pleading for forgiveness.

Mosiria praised the county enforcement team for swiftly apprehending the suspect before the statue could be sold.

He emphasised that the Dedan Kimathi statue is a national heritage asset managed by the Environment Department.

“Such acts of vandalism are unacceptable and an insult to Kenya’s national pride,” Mosiria said, adding that operations to protect public property would be intensified.

The incident has reignited discussions on improving security for historical monuments, reflecting ongoing concerns about urban safety and the preservation of Kenya’s cultural heritage.

Authorities are reviewing measures to prevent similar incidents and ensure national landmarks remain protected.