Scrap metal dealers put on notice after man caught selling parts of Dedan Kimathi statue for Sh250
The suspect, arrested by Nairobi County enforcement officers, confessed to breaking into Uhuru Park and dismantling the national monument under cover of darkness.
Scrap metal dealers have been put on notice after a man was caught attempting to sell parts of the vandalised Dedan Kimathi statue for just Sh250.
The suspect, arrested by Nairobi County enforcement officers, confessed to breaking into Uhuru Park and dismantling the national monument under cover of darkness.
More To Read
- Scrap Metal Council suspends license renewals amid surge in imports and industry concerns
- Murkomen vows tough action against scrap metal vandals
- Scrap metal dealers to apply for import and export permits online from March 15
- KISMA: Poor coordination between state agencies fuelling infrastructure vandalism in Nairobi
- Authorities pursue scrap metal sellers linked to vandalism of guard rails on Thika Road
- Kenya Power calls for total ban on waste copper exports to curb vandalism
Nairobi County Environment Chief Officer Geoffrey Mosiria said the suspect was apprehended before he could dispose of the stolen metal to scrap dealers.
Through his Facebook page on Sunday, Mosiria shared a disturbing video of the man admitting to vandalising the statue, a tribute to Kenya’s liberation hero Dedan Kimathi, with the intention of selling it for a small sum.
The unidentified suspect can be heard pleading for forgiveness after confessing to stealing part of the statue. He said he entered the park at night and removed a section of the national monument before he was caught by Nairobi County officers.
“Mimi ni mwizi. Nimeingia Uhuru Park, na nimeimba Dedan Kimathi, nilikua nimeenda kuipima. Hata haingetoka pesa mingi, ingetaka kama kilo tano ambayo ni Sh250. Naomba Wakenya mnisamehe,” the man said.
In response, Mosiria commended the Nairobi County enforcement team for swiftly arresting the suspect before he could sell the statue to scrap metal traders.
“Wezi hawana huruma! Thanks to our officers for arresting this thief who had just stolen the Dedan Kimathi statue from Uhuru Park, one of the facilities we manage under the Environment Department,” he said.
Mosiria noted that the statue, which honours Kenya’s liberation hero Dedan Kimathi, is among the national heritage assets managed under the county’s Environment Department.
“We shall continue enforcing the law against those who steal government property for their selfish gain at the expense of many Nairobians,” he added.
He further described the incident as an insult to Kenya’s national pride and vowed to intensify operations to ensure that all public property is protected at all times.
Mosiria also issued a warning to scrap metal dealers who buy stolen government property, saying the county will take firm action against anyone involved in such illegal transactions.
“To all scrap metal dealers involved in this illegal business, be warned. We will take firm action against anyone found in possession of stolen government assets,” he said.
“We shall also be conducting regular inspections in scrap yards to educate and warn dealers about the consequences of handling property that belongs to the people of Kenya.”
Nairobi County Government Protocol Officer Rodriques Lunalo confirmed that the suspect was handed over to police officers and is now being held at Central Police Station.
The incident has sparked outrage among Nairobi residents and Kenyans at large, with many commending the county enforcement officers for their quick action. Others called for tougher penalties against vandals who target national monuments and heritage sites.
Residents have also urged city authorities to install surveillance cameras and increase night patrols around public monuments to deter similar acts.
The Nairobi County Government has since assured the public that repairs on the Dedan Kimathi statue will begin soon.
Top Stories Today
