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Meet the 56-year-old ex-military man, changing lives in Mombasa through wellness

Major Retired Idris Abdirahman during his walks to promote wellness.

By Farhiya Hussein | 13 Dec 2023

In the heart of Mombasa, a man previously known for his quiet, retired life has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. Major Retired Idris Abdirahman, a 56-year-old resident of the upscale Nyali estate, found an unexpected path to fame—one that led him not through battlefields but along the serene shores of Mombasa's beaches.

In the heart of Mombasa, a man previously known for his quiet, retired life has emerged as a beacon of inspiration. Major Retired Idris Abdirahman, a 56-year-old resident of the upscale Nyali estate, found an unexpected path to fame—one that led him not through battlefields but along the serene shores of Mombasa's beaches.

Major Retired Idris Abdirahman giving one of his wellness talks.

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His journey began as a personal quest for health after a health scare shook the foundations of his seemingly peaceful retirement. Hospitalised for five days to stabilise his blood pressure and sugar levels, Abdirahman faced the reality of diabetes and hypertension, conditions he had dismissed earlier. A determination to change his lifestyle sparked within him, leading to a commitment to daily walks along the picturesque beaches of Mombasa.

The pivotal moment in his story occurred when he decided to share his newfound dedication on Facebook. What started as a mere digital diary of daily distances covered and calories burned transformed into a rallying call for friends and followers alike. The virtual world suddenly took notice of the retired Kenya Air Force Major as he became a social media sensation.

Not content with personal achievements, Abdirahman founded the Mombasa Walk Movement, a fitness initiative that has since catalysed a city-wide movement. In a city where cycling, swimming, and football reign supreme, he carved out a niche for walking, offering a refreshing alternative.

Reflecting on his journey, Abdirahman revealed, "I began by strolling along the beaches for leisure. Being part of the Early Birds Banda, a morning walking group in Nyali, inspired me to organize purpose-driven walks." His commitment to walking extended beyond personal health, evolving into a mission to inspire and engage others in the pursuit of fitness.

Utilising technology, Abdirahman meticulously tracks his progress, using an app paired with a smartwatch to monitor distances covered, calories burnt, and the speed of each walk. The numbers tell a compelling story—133 kilometers covered across Mombasa's four sub-counties, with daily walks consistently spanning around 10 kilometers.

His journey hasn't been without challenges. The absence of proper pedestrian pathways and the relentless heat and humidity of Mombasa present obstacles. Undeterred, Abdirahman passionately advocates for dedicated walking and cycling paths, urging the county government to prioritize the safety of non-motor users.

But his vision extends beyond personal fitness. Abdirahman aims to impact the community by organizing charitable medical camps on the outskirts of the city. These camps, he envisions, will cater to individuals grappling with hypertension, diabetes, and various ailments, providing much-needed healthcare support.

For Major Retired Idris Abdirahman, fitness is not just a phase; it's a way of life. His story is one of resilience, inspiration, and a call to action—a reminder that a single individual, motivated by personal health concerns, can spark a movement that resonates far beyond the confines of social media.