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| Kenyans gift a security guard after he was locked out during demos |
Every good deed deserves to be rewarded, and a bold man has become the recipient of the excellent work he did. Nairobi security guard Jonathan Mutua (l) poses for a photo outside Safaricom shop. Kenya police officers looking at protesters during demos (r). Credit: Edwin Nganyi, Kind-hearted Kenyans have praised and rewarded Jonathan Mutua Muoka handsomely for his brave act. When did Finance Bill protests take place? During the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests on Tuesday, June 25, the security guard remained locked outside Safaricom shop as telco staff ran inside for safety. Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the security officer at one of Safaricom shops in Nairobi humbly said he was performing his duty. “I locked my colleagues inside during the chaotic demonstrations as I remained outside. There was no way I could look at the shop with the metallic mesh and get inside, so I had to stay outside. For seven hours, I watched over the business and the precious lives in the shop. The only protective gear I had was my surgical mask. It was my duty, and despite fearing for my life, I had to be courageous and firm not to leave the premises as other guards had. It was a chilling experience, hearing the shooting and being teargassed, but I never wavered. I stayed put until the colleagues left,” he narrated. I cannot express my gratitude, Jonathan Mutua A video of Mutua outside his work area guarding the business went viral, and Kenyans expressed mixed reactions. However, Mutua’s bravery touched the hearts of many social media users who praised him. They acknowledged it was brave of him not to run away as they applauded him and sent him cash gifts. “Many people called me and gave me encouraging words. Others sent me money and so far I have received KSh 30,000. I cannot express my gratitude, but I was doing my job. Guarding what I had been entrusted with: the lives of my colleagues. I can only say it is God who protected me and even touched Kenyans to show their appreciation through finances,” he said.
by John Green
