Donald Matiri: 3D artist declines to open door as police officers camp outside Rongai home

Rising artist Donald Matiri has raised alarm after a group of plainclothes police officers camped outside his Rongai residence early Tuesday morning, allegedly attempting to arrest him without presenting a clear reason or court order.

Matiri, who began posting real-time updates on social media platform X at around 7:20 a.m. on June 24, shared multiple videos showing the officers persistently urging him to open his door.

In the videos, Matiri can be heard refusing, repeatedly asking the officers to identify themselves and explain their presence.

In one clip, an officer draped in a Maasai shuka is seen leaning on Matiri’s door, urging him to open it.

“Museme mnataka nini niwasaidie… Unaitwa nani? Onyesha your identification vizuri, camera ione. Wewe ni public officer. What do you want?” Matiri asked.

Guys, There are officers outside my house! @Honeyfarsafi @StareheMP pic.twitter.com/RnadHm0RzT

— D.Matiri (@DonaldMatiri) June 24, 2025

The officer only identified himself as “Collins” and briefly displayed his ID to the camera before insisting, “Fungua kwanza.”
Matiri held his ground, replying firmly: “Haiwezekani.”

In another video, a second officer dressed in jungle fatigues and a bucket hat is seen pressing his face against the door, also trying to persuade Matiri to open it.

“Leteni court order ya search for me to open the door. What is the reason for coming to my house?” Matiri asked, before concluding, “That’s fine. I’m not opening the door!”

The videos have since gone viral, sparking widespread concern and online support. Matiri has continued tagging prominent activists and public figures while demanding accountability and transparency.

“Guys, there are officers outside my house! If you see this, repost. This is not a drill. They are still outside my house…” he posted.

Among those who reacted was activist Hanifa Adan, who warned:

 “Police officers are outside Donald Matiri’s house trying to arrest him!! What do you even want with someone at 6am!!! If anything happens to Donald, @NPSOfficial_KE you will pay!!”

She also urged him: “Please do not open the door!”

If you have Donald Matiri’s number please DM me urgently or if you know his location. We have a lawyer on standby to attend to him https://t.co/CRRZ0KZrCX

— ?? James WaNjeri (@JamesKWaNjeri) June 24, 2025

As of now, the exact reason for the attempted arrest remains unclear. Police have yet to release an official statement, and Matiri maintains that no charges or warrants have been presented to him.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about accountability, due process, and the safety of outspoken creatives and activists in Kenya.