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Geoffrey Mosiria clarifies viral Mzungu Chokoraa is not homeless
29th July, 2026 09:32 AM
Nairobi County Chief Officer for Citizen Engagement and Customer Service Geoffrey Mosiria has clarified that the American man who recently went viral after being spotted collecting waste alongside street children is not homeless, urging Kenyans to show him compassion instead of making assumptions.
In a video shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, July 29, 2026, Mosiria explained that he decided to investigate the matter after receiving numerous messages from members of the public who believed the man, widely referred to online as the “Mzungu Chokoraa“, had been abandoned and was living on the streets.
Mosiria visits the family
Mosiria said the viral clips attracted widespread attention, prompting many people to tag him and ask for intervention.
After he shared the video online, he revealed that the man’s wife contacted him and requested that he visit the family to understand the full story.
“Many people tagged me in a viral video of this American man, who has been widely referred to as the ‘Mzungu Chokoraa‘, claiming that he had been abandoned and was living on the streets. After I shared the video, his wife reached out to me and requested that I visit him to understand the true situation,” Mosiria said.
Following the visit, Mosiria said he learnt that the man is married, has five children and lives with his family in Texas, USA.
Family explains his condition
According to Mosiria, the wife explained that the man is living with bipolar disorder and that his condition worsened following the death of his mother.
He added that the family told him the man is receiving medical treatment and takes prescribed medication.
“According to his family, he has bipolar disorder, and his condition became worse after the passing of his mother. He is currently under medical care and takes prescribed medication,” Mosiria explained.
The wife further said that during some episodes of the illness, the man sometimes leaves home and wanders around, leading many people to wrongly believe that he is homeless.
Passion for recycling
The family also clarified that the man has a strong interest in environmental conservation and recycling, which explains why he is often seen collecting recyclable materials or spending time around dumpsites.
“They also shared that he has a passion for recycling and environmental conservation, which is why he is sometimes seen collecting recyclable materials or around dumpsites,” Mosiria said.
He emphasised that the man has a loving family that continues to care for him despite his health challenges.
Appeal to the public
Mosiria urged members of the public not to discriminate against the man or judge him based on the viral videos circulating online.
“I would like to clarify to the general public that this man is not homeless. He has a loving family that cares deeply for him. When you see him on the streets, please do not judge or discriminate against him. Instead, treat him with dignity, kindness, and respect, knowing that he is living with a mental health condition,” Mosiria said.
He also revealed that the family appealed to the public not to give the man alcohol or cannabis, explaining that both could interfere with his prescribed medication.
Mosiria concluded by encouraging Kenyans to show understanding towards people living with mental health conditions, saying compassion and respect are more important than stigma.
