Ugandan National Arrested After Viral Panga Confrontation with Police During Nakuru Protests

A Ugandan citizen who became an internet sensation after boldly confronting police officers with a machete during violent protests in Nakuru has been arrested and is set to face multiple charges, including illegal presence in Kenya.

Hassan Mtimkavu, also known by the alias Paul Ositi, was apprehended by police in the Hilton area of London Estate, Nakuru West, following his dramatic face-off with law enforcement officers that was captured on video and widely shared across social media platforms.

The incident occurred during protests that erupted after the fatal shooting of Daniel Nderitu, a local resident, by police on Monday. The shooting happened during a confrontation between youth and officers minutes after three suspected drug dealers were arrested in the estate.

Nakuru West Sub County Police Commander Stephen Kirui confirmed the arrest on Friday morning, revealing the suspect’s foreign nationality. “I arrested the suspect in the Hilton area of London Estate and we identified him as Hassan Mtimkavu alias Paul Ositi, a Ugandan national,” Kirui told The Standard.

The viral footage shows Mtimkavu wielding a panga and charging toward a uniformed police officer armed with a teargas launcher.

Despite having two teargas canisters launched at him, the suspect continued his advance, even gesturing to sharpen his weapon on the tarmac before other officers intervened.

Following his arrest, Mtimkavu claimed illness and was taken to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, where police say he was admitted under guard. “In our observation, he faked being sick, but we took him to Nakuru Level Five Hospital, where he was admitted and placed under our watch,” said Commander Kirui.

The suspect has since been discharged and is being processed for court appearance, with charges expected to include illegal stay in Kenya, incitement, stealing, robbery, and breaking and entering.

“His actions were an incitement to the other people who then engaged in robbing civilians, shops, and breaking into commercial and residential establishments within the area,” Kirui explained, highlighting how the protests escalated into criminal activities.

The demonstrations saw protesters barricading roads while some took advantage of the chaos to rob pedestrians and motorists on the Nakuru-Marigat road. The unrest continued for several days, disrupting businesses and public order in the area.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has condemned the incident, calling it a dangerous case of double standards during a public event on Thursday. “I recently witnessed a concerning incident in Nakuru. A citizen was seen wielding a panga while police officers were working hard to restore calm in the area,” Murkomen stated.

The CS praised police officers for maintaining discipline and professionalism despite the provocation, while warning that accountability would apply to all parties involved in the unrest.

The case has sparked debate about public safety, police authority, and the presence of foreign nationals in local disturbances. Police continue to maintain patrols in affected areas as investigations into the broader unrest continue.

Mtimkavu is expected to appear in court on Friday or Monday once processing is complete, facing multiple charges that could result in deportation following any potential conviction.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​