Vigilant Protector: Nairobi Guard’s Courageous Act During Protests

• Jonathan Mutua Muoka reckoned he was lucky to survive the anti-Finance Bill protests on Tuesday, June 25
• The security guard at one of Safaricom's shops in Nairobi said he was compelled to protect the business since he showed up for work as he watched from outside
• For a staggering seven hours, he watched the chaotic protests unfold before his eyes for the first time in his life without any protective gear but only a surgical mask

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Nairobi - A man has opened up about his experience of the anti-Finance Bill 2024 demonstrations.

Nairobi security guard Jonathan Mutua Muoka (l) poses for a photo outside a Safaricom shop. Kenyan police officers intervene in people during protest (r). Credit: Edwin Nyganyi, Getty Images/Anadolu. Source: Getty Images

Jonathan Mutua Muoka went to work as usual on Tuesday, June 25, the day of the protests, expecting an unusual day.

How many kids does Jonathan Mutua Have?

He said he arrived at his workstation near a Safaricom shop in Nairobi CBD at 6am, as is his routine.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the 52-year-old said it would be an hour before the business shop officially opened and ready for customers.

"By 9am, other businesses had already opened, but there was tension. Everyone knew it would be a tricky day, and they expected it. People had already arrived in town and were readying themselves for the protests. It was not long before there was a commotion. Everything was helter-skelter," Mutua recalled.

The father of three said his colleagues asked him to shut them inside as the protest intensified with the police making their mark, showing up in the heat of the moment.

It was my duty, Jonathan Mutua Muoka

He could not draw the metallic mesh, which would somehow show that the shop was closed if he was inside.

"You have to close it from outside, so I followed orders. It was my duty. So I humbly and obediently did ask what they asked. People were running all over. It was chaotic," Mutua continued.

The husband to one lovely and supportive wife said he only had a mask to protect him if he needed to defend himself physically.

He watched as the protests continued from early morning until around 4pm when he would open the gate and release his colleagues.

Where is Jonathan Mutua Muoka from?

Mutua from Utawala would hear the police shooting, yet he had to stand firm his ground and protect his colleagues in the shop.

"It was my first time to be tear-gassed. I have never experienced something like this. Of course, I feared being the only security guard on that street. From left to right, there was no one except for the protestants who passed by. Some people who walked past me gave me water. It was the only aid I received.

I can only say it is God's grace that protected me throughout. I give Him all glory and honour because I do not know where I would be if it had not been for Him," the quinquagenarian noted.

Why did police officer pledge to resign?

Separately, a plain-clothed police officer mourned the loss of his brother, who was fatally shot during protests over the Finance Bill.

The officer was seen crying inconsolably as he pledged to resign and return his police uniform in response to the incident.

Efforts to console the officer were unsuccessful as he continued to scream in anguish, pleading with the police to also kill him.

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