Nairobi Birdman – Kenya’s Homeless Bird Guardian

Original article on OddityCentral.com – a blog on oddities and wacky news http://www.odditycentral.com/

Rogers Olu Maguta is not your typical 27-year-old. He walks around Nairobi with birds of prey on his head and shoulders and spends most of his time caring for them until they are ready to return to the wild. Some get so attached that they don’t want to leave his side anymore, but he doesn’t mind; whatever meager meals he can get his hands on, Rogers is more than happy to share with his feathered friends.

Nairobi Birdman, as the homeless bird guardian has come to be known in Kenya, first attracted the world’s attention in 2025, during the massive protests that took place in the capital. Thousands of young Kenyans descended on Nairobi, to protest against the government, and Rogers joined their ranks. His unique appearance, with birds of different species perched on his head and shoulders, immediately drew attention, and people flocked around him.

His appearance also made him the target of law enforcement, who suspected him of being a leader of the protesters and beat him severely with batons. But the attention also had positive effects, as photos of him and his birds spread like wildfire on social media, and he became somewhat of an icon.

Growing up in Nairobi, Rogers Olu Magota would often go to the Lake Nakuru National Park to see flamingos, storks, black kites, and countless other bird species. He always loved birds, but his life changed one day, 5 years ago, when a wounded kite chick landed near him as if asking him for help. He was sitting under a tree sharing a donated meal with other homeless people, and he gave some of it to the bird.

Before long, Rogers and the chick developed a bond of trust. He named it Johnson, and they practically became inseparable. People noticed the man with the bird on his shoulder and began bringing other wounded birds to him. Even though he had no training, he looked after them as best he could, nursed them back to health, and then released them into the wild. Some stuck around and became his companions. And that’s how Nairobi Birdman was born.

“When people see me with birds, they think I’m using supernatural powers. Many people think I’m using magic or sorcery,” Rogers said in an interview. “My role is to help them and then release them back into the wild.”

The Nairobi Birdman claims to have rescued dozens of birds from over 20 species, even though he doesn’t have a home and can barely has the means to take care of himself. He wants to inspire others with his passion for birds and the environment, and uses social media to share his life on the streets of Kenya’s capital city. You can follow his adventures on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.

The post Nairobi Birdman – Kenya’s Homeless Bird Guardian first appeared on Oddity Central – Collecting Oddities.