Residents of Naivasha were left stunned as a middle aged man clung to a tree for more than 100 hours in a dramatic protest he says is against discrimination over his discoloured teeth.
The man who camped at a busy public spot drew crowds day and night as he wrapped his arms around the tree refusing to let go despite rain cold nights and pressure from locals to come down. He claimed his unusual protest was the only way left to make society listen after years of ridicule mockery and rejection which he says cost him friendships jobs and dignity.
Eyewitnesses say the protest quickly turned into a spectacle with curious onlookers recording videos while others offered him water food and words of encouragement.
Some residents praised his courage saying he had turned personal pain into a powerful statement while others questioned his safety and mental wellbeing.
Local leaders and health officials reportedly attempted to intervene urging him to seek dialogue and medical support but he insisted his stand was symbolic saying the tree represented resilience and silence in the face of cruelty.
As hours turned into days the protest sparked heated debate online with Kenyans weighing in on beauty standards discrimination and mental health. Many called for compassion urging society to stop judging people based on physical appearance.
By the time he finally ended the protest the man had already achieved what he wanted attention.
His silent hug of a tree had forced an uncomfortable national conversation proving that even the quietest protest can shake the public conscience.
