Conservationist Paula Kahumbu demands action over Nairobi's 'Birdman'

Conservationist Dr Paula Kahumbu has become the latest public figure to call for action against Nairobi's self-proclaimed 'Birdman', who is known for living with and feeding wild birds in the city.

While acknowledging the need for compassion, Dr Kahumbu said effective conservation should involve local communities, provide education and resources, and create formal pathways for the safe and humane management of injured or habituated wild animals.

She argued that the situation could be turned into an opportunity for public education, veterinary support and structured interventions that protect animal welfare while respecting the dignity and livelihoods of those caring for wildlife.

@SakajaJohnson If @kwskenya will not act on the illegal capture of wild birds as chicks, & inhumane breaking of birds wings to keep them fm escaping, then @nairobicounty & @nemakenya should act to prevent a zoonoses from occurring in this unsanitary & cruel bird prison pic.twitter.com/BCKFDbMM77

— Paula Kahumbu (@paulakahumbu) June 30, 2026

"@SakajaJohnson, If @kwskenya will not act on the illegal capture of wild birds as chicks, & inhumane breaking of birds' wings to keep them from escaping, then @nairobicounty & @nemakenya should act to prevent a zoonosis from occurring in this unsanitary & cruel bird prison," she wrote on X.

Rodgers Oloo Magutha, popularly known as Nairobi's "Birdman", has become a symbol of human-animal connection after spending years rescuing and caring for injured raptors and scavenger birds, including black kites, owls and marabou storks.

A former street dweller, Rodgers feeds, rehabilitates and lives alongside the birds, earning sympathy and support from many Nairobi residents who view his efforts as compassionate coexistence rather than a public nuisance.

However, government officials, including Geoffrey Mosiria, have expressed concern over the public health and environmental risks associated with keeping wild birds in an urban setting.

They argue that intervention is necessary to safeguard both human and bird welfare, citing the risk of zoonotic diseases and concerns about the birds' long-term survival in the wild.

Kahumbu's remarks come days after Dr Dennis Miskellah also warned that the 'Birdman' risks exposing himself and the public to zoonotic diseases through close contact with wild birds.

Other conservation groups, including WildlifeDirect, have advocated a different approach, urging dialogue, collaboration and community-based solutions instead of criminalising him.

The debate has also divided public opinion online.

X user @ExcelMaestro wrote, "KWS must act. Good morning, Paula," while @danaceda questioned, "Is what this man is doing fundamentally different from what the wazungu do with elephants on Langata Road and giraffes in Karen?"