Nairobi's "Birdman" Finds Hope in Feathered Companions

As of October 2025, Rodgers Oloo Magutha, a 27-year-old street resident in Nairobi, Kenya, has gained local celebrity status as the "Nairobi Birdman" for his unique bond with the birds he rescues and cares for. Magutha has been living on Nairobi's streets for years, blending in with the marginalized community, but his companionship with the wild birds that surround him sets him apart.

Magutha's passion for birds began in his childhood, when he would sneak into a nearby national park to observe and interact with the birds. After his mother's sudden passing when he was 13, Magutha found himself without a stable home and drifted to the streets, where he continued to rescue and care for injured birds. Over the years, Magutha has nursed back to health various species, including black kites, crows, owls, and pigeons, before releasing them into the wild.

Magutha's avian companions have not only provided him with a sense of purpose but have also made him a spectacle on Nairobi's streets, drawing curious onlookers and media attention. During the 2024 protests against the Kenyan government, Magutha's presence with his birds went viral, further elevating his local celebrity status. However, this newfound fame has brought little tangible opportunity, and Magutha continues to face the harsh realities of street life.

Despite the challenges, Magutha remains determined to make a difference. He dreams of one day building a shelter in Nairobi that would rescue and care for both people and birds, with the goal of instilling a passion for the environment and the ecosystem in the city's street children. Magutha believes that by showing love and care, he can inspire others, just as he has done with the wild birds that have found their way to him over the years.