A homeless man living on top of a tree near the Machakos Law Courts was rescued on Sunday November 10, 2024 by a police officer.
In a remarkable act of kindness, officer Moses Kimenju, who also works as an addiction counselor, traveled from his post at the Kenya Police Headquarters in Nairobi to help the man, identified as Joseph Nthuli.
The officer explained that his motivation stemmed from his commitment to assist individuals in similar situations, particularly those struggling with addiction.
“I’ve been keeping up with the local news about Joseph living in a tree in Machakos, and I instantly saw this as a sign of stress. It’s clear to me that he must be dealing with some significant issues,” Kimenju shared.
“I work at the police headquarters in Nairobi and, as an addiction counselor, I’ve seen many people living with troubling conditions, including stress, substance abuse, and mental health issues,” he explained.
Local reports indicate that Joseph Nthuli was forced to create a makeshift shelter in the tree after being displaced from the business container that also served as his home.
“After the officer approached me, he explained why he wanted me to come down. I told him about my business container that had been taken from me,” Nthuli shared with the media following his rescue.
“I also mentioned how a woman named Mary, along with some local officials from the chief’s office, harassed me and took away my business,” he added.
When did the homeless man start staying on top of the tree
Nthuli disclosed that he has been living on the tree since February 2024, after being forced out of his business premises.
Now, he is seeking help from local authorities to ensure justice is served and to hold accountable those responsible for his difficult situation.
“Since around February of this year, I was compelled to create a temporary home here. I have asked him to ensure that the suspects are arrested because I believe in the law,” he requested.
The officer stated that he will begin a plan to assist Nthuli by helping him access health support services.
Additionally, he mentioned that he would ensure Nthuli gets a proper home so he doesn’t return to his previous situation.
