Zebra spotted roaming freely in Nairobi's Kayole days after lionesses strayed from national park

A zebra has caused a stir in Nairobi’s Kayole area after it was spotted roaming freely through the streets, in an unusual sight that quickly went viral online.

In a video widely shared on social media, the zebra is seen running along a busy road, seemingly calm yet alert, as it follows a group of donkeys through the neighbourhood.

Residents were amused at the sighting, with many pausing their daily activities to film the unexpected visitor.

A free-roaming zebra spotted in Gotta City, Kayole, Nairobi! pic.twitter.com/6d1ORLg0Ol

— The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) January 9, 2026

The incident sparked widespread conversation on social media, with Kenyans expressing surprise at seeing a wild animal wandering freely in a densely populated urban area. While some found the scene humorous and fascinating, others raised concerns about public safety and the welfare of the animal, questioning how the zebra managed to stray so far into the city.

This sighting comes just days after another alarming wildlife encounter in Nairobi, when two lionesses strayed outside Nairobi National Park, heightening anxiety about human-wildlife interactions in the capital.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) later confirmed that the lionesses were successfully handled, reassuring the public that the situation had been brought under control.

“The two lionesses earlier sighted outside Nairobi National Park have been successfully tracked using the EarthRanger system and safely guided back into the park by KWS patrol teams during the night,” KWS said.

“The situation is fully under control, and the public may safely go on with their normal activities.”

Following the zebra sighting in Kayole, KWS officers moved swiftly to assess the situation and secure the animal. Although details surrounding how the zebra escaped its natural habitat remain unclear, authorities emphasised that such incidents often occur due to urban expansion encroaching on wildlife corridors, increasing the chances of animals wandering into residential areas.

Wildlife experts have repeatedly warned that as cities encroach on conservation zones, encounters between humans and wild animals are likely to become more frequent. They urge the public to remain calm, avoid provoking animals, and promptly report sightings to the relevant authorities.

The Kayole zebra incident, much like the recent lioness scare, serves as a reminder of Nairobi’s unique position as a city situated on the border of a national park.