Private security company, Hatari Security Group has refuted claims that it terminated the contract of Vincent Chepkwony, the security guard who gained fame for shielding anti-tax protesters at a Java House outlet in Nairobi on June 18, 2024.

Elisha Kirui, a controller at Hatari Security, clarified that Chepkwony has been absent from work since June 25th and that the company tried to reinstate him on July 8th, but he chose to leave.

“No, it is not true that Vincent has been fired, and he has not been moved to another place. He has been absent since 25th June, yesterday he came and we tried to reinstate him but he decided to leave,” Kirui emphasized,

In a press statement, Hatari Security confirmed that Chepkwony’s contract remains valid and that any reassignments are made in consultation with employees per the company’s internal policies and procedures.

“We wish to set the record straight by confirming that he is still an employee of Hatari Security Group and we always stand by any reasonable actions and contractual obligations. Any reassignments are done in consultation with our employees per our internal policies and procedures and employment and labor.”

The security company’s response comes after reports emerged on July 8th claiming that Chepkwony was fired due to the anti-government protests.

These reports sparked outrage among X users, who expressed disappointment and intention to take legal action against the company.