A middle-aged man living in a treehouse in Nairobi’s Jogoo Road area has received a new lease on life after a kind-hearted well-wisher came to his aid. Nairobi man living on a tree gets help from Geoffrey Mosiria. Photo: Geoffrey Mosiria. Source: Facebook The man, whose unusual living situation went viral, was visited by Geoffrey Mosiria, Nairobi county’s chief environment officer, who offered his support. The man, now known as “Tree Man,” had been living in a makeshift treehouse beside the road, perched on a bent tree, a sight that stunned and somewhat impressed many. Photos of his treehouse quickly made the rounds online, sparking a mixture of reactions from Kenyans, including concerns and humorous comments.
How did Geoffrey Mosiria help Tree Man? Mosiria took it upon himself to ensure the Tree Man’s safety, labelling the treehouse as a dangerous place for both the man and the tree. He pledged to relocate him and find a safer living situation. “Yesterday, after failing to find the man who had built a structure atop a tree along Jogoo Road, I went back today and was relieved to find him. I spoke to him, and he shared his story, explaining why he had chosen the tree as his home,” said Mosiria. According to the county officer, the man expressed his desire for a mkokoteni to start a business, earn a living, and eventually afford to rent a house, rather than continue living in the tree. Geoffrey Mosiria gets Tree man mkokoteni for business.
Moved by his determination, Mosiria immediately took the man to the market and purchased a mkokoteni for KSh 15,850, providing him with the means to begin his hustle. In addition, Mosiria promised to help secure a home for him, paying four months’ rent upfront while the man figured out his next steps in life and business. The county official urged Kenyans to offer help to those in need when they can, stressing that small acts of kindness can make a huge difference in someone’s life. “I was deeply moved to see him smile, and it reminded me how powerful even a small act of kindness can be. If you have the ability to help someone in need, please do. It could change their life,” Mosiria said.
Why was Nairobi man living on tree? Grateful for the kindness shown by Mosiria, the Tree Man called on the government to support those who have lost hope and are struggling to find a way out of poverty. “I left home to hustle, but I’ve never been lucky. I’m not a criminal, I don’t rob people. I just want a way out of poverty. May God bless you, Mr Mosiria, and may He add more to you so that you can help others too,” said the Tree Man. READ ALSO Truck driver spots man trekking through Tsavo National Park at night, offers him help He said he resorted to building the nest as people stole the little he had but vowed never to live like a bird again. Tree man also promised to work hard and transform his life.
By Lynn-Linzer Kibebe
