Mosiria appeals for help to trace family of Les Wanyika icon rescued from Nairobi streets
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service, Geoffrey Mosiria, has appealed to the public to help identify and trace the family of the founding member of Simba wa Nyika, the band that later evolved into the iconic Les Wanyika, whom he rescued from the streets.
Taking to his official social media accounts on Thursday, November 20, 2025, Mosiria revealed that the legend, identified as William Peter Kinyonga, was found in a desperate state, prompting immediate intervention from the county.
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Mosiria further noted that the musician mentioned that his roots are in Tanzania, formerly Tanganyika, and called on anyone who may know his relatives or close contacts to come forward and assist in reconnecting him with his family.
“Yesterday, I rescued from the streets of Nairobi the legendary musician and founder of the Simba wa Nyika band, which later became Les Wanyika. His name is William Peter Kinyonga. He has been suffering on the streets, homeless and vulnerable, and as a government, we cannot sit back and watch a Nairobi resident suffer,” he revealed.
“I responded immediately to the complaint, ensured he received new clothes and shoes, and personally took him to a home for the elderly where he can be safe and cared for.”
He reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to safeguarding vulnerable residents
“Anyone who knows his family, please reach out. He has mentioned that his home is in Tanzania, Tanganyika. We shall continue to support the less fortunate in our society – na lazima tufanye hii kazi,” Mosiria added.
Rescue operation
On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Mosiria rescued a Kinyonga after he was found homeless and suffering on the streets of the capital.
Taking to his official social media accounts, he said that he immediately responded after receiving distressing reports from Nairobi residents who had spotted the music pioneer in dire condition.
Mosiria personally facilitated the musician’s rescue, providing him with new clothes, shoes, and basic necessities before escorting him to a home for the elderly, where he will now receive safe housing, medical attention, and round-the-clock care.
“Today, I rescued from the streets of Nairobi the legendary musician and founder of the Simba wa Nyika band, which later became Les Wanyika. He has been suffering on the streets, homeless and vulnerable, and as a government, we cannot sit back and watch a Nairobi resident suffer. I responded immediately to the complaint, ensured he received new clothes and shoes, and personally took him to a home for the elderly where he can be safe and cared for,” Mosiria wrote on X in a caption to a 20-minute video of his engagement with the elderly man.
