A Kenya Defence Forces soldier has touched hearts online after giving a duvet to a former military colleague reportedly living on the streets of Nairobi. The simple gesture has drawn attention to the challenges some former service personnel may face after leaving the military.
A video shared by Nairobi Xclusive shows the uniformed soldier approaching his friend, who is seated on a pavement. The man appears to be wearing worn-out clothes and has no shoes as he sits beside the road.
The soldier then hands him a duvet, offering a practical way to cope with the cold nights. According to the account shared alongside the video, the former colleague said he had been sleeping on pieces of cardboard because he lacked proper bedding.
The two men are reportedly former colleagues who served in the military. The man receiving the duvet has been described online as a retired Kenya Air Force pilot, although his identity and service history have not been independently confirmed.
The soldier was also reported to have spent time looking for his former colleague before eventually finding him on the streets. The account suggests that he wanted to reconnect with the man and find ways to support him beyond the immediate gift.
The video has prompted discussion among social media users about the welfare of former military personnel facing homelessness. Some viewers have called for more attention to the support available to veterans who encounter financial difficulties or struggle after leaving service.
However, important details remain unclear. There is no independently confirmed information explaining how the former pilot ended up on the streets, whether he receives a pension, or whether he has access to family support and other assistance.
It is also not clear whether any organisation has stepped in to provide further help following the reunion. While the duvet offers immediate comfort, the man’s longer-term circumstances remain unknown.
The encounter has nevertheless highlighted the value of checking on former colleagues and helping people facing hardship. For the soldier, the gesture was a direct act of kindness towards someone he reportedly knew from his years in uniform.