A young Kenyan Gen Z content creator, known on TikTok as @thithad3, has captured global attention after successfully helping a stranded US tourist, Cliff Hirneisen, recover his lost passport in Nairobi.
The heartwarming story, which unfolded amid Kenya’s turbulent protests on June 25, 2025, has gone viral on social media, showcasing the kindness of Kenya’s youth and sparking conversations about compassion, community, and the challenges faced by foreigners in crisis.
The passport, allegedly stolen by Hirneisen’s Kenyan lover, was returned to the caretaker’s office of Thithad’s residence, marking a triumphant resolution to a saga that began on June 19, 2025.
Hirneisen, who arrived in Kenya a month ago with plans to retire in the country, found himself stranded after his passport and money were taken, leaving him with only his luggage.
“I came to Kenya because it has some of the most beautiful women,” he shared in a viral TikTok video, recounting how his partner vanished with his belongings. Desperate and alone, he wandered into a grocery store, where he met Thithad, who humorously dubbed himself Kenya’s “Minister of Foreign Affairs”. Thithad took Hirneisen into his modest bedsitter, offering food and shelter while using his social media platforms to appeal for help in recovering the lost passport.
The story gained traction online, with Kenyans praising Thithad’s act of kindness. “The passport has been returned. It was left at the caretaker’s office. Thank you, Kenyans,” Thithad announced in a video on June 25, 2025, holding up the recovered document.
The saga unfolded against the backdrop of nationwide protests commemorating the 2024 anti-government demonstrations, which saw 16 fatalities and over 400 injuries due to police action, including tear gas and alleged live ammunition.
Thithad’s efforts highlight the power of Kenya’s Gen Z, who have been at the forefront of both social activism and acts of compassion. His daily updates on TikTok and Instagram, including light-hearted clips of Hirneisen adjusting to life in a Nairobi bedsitter, resonated with netizens.
One user commented, “That guy will go far for his good heart,” while another jokingly hailed Thithad as the “new minister of foreign affairs”.
The story also sparked doubt, with some questioning whether Hirneisen’s predicament was a publicity stunt, though no evidence supports this claim.
The recovery of Hirneisen’s passport highlights the role of social media in mobilising support and resolving crises. Thithad’s call to action, urging anyone with information about the stolen passport to come forward, was instrumental in its return.
“If you’re the one who stole this man’s passport, know that we’re with him here,” he said in an earlier video.
The incident also raises questions about the safety of tourists in Kenya, particularly during periods of unrest, and the need for efficient embassy support.
Some netizens wondered why Hirneisen did not immediately seek help from the US Embassy, though no official response from the embassy has been reported.
Kenya’s protests, driven by youth-led demands for accountability, an end to corruption, and police reform, provided a complex backdrop to this story.
The June 25, 2025, demonstrations saw significant property damage and violence, with Amnesty International reporting most deaths were due to police action.
Amid this chaos, Thithad’s act of kindness stands out as a beacon of hope, demonstrating the resilience and generosity of Kenya’s Gen Z. As Hirneisen prepares to move forward, Thithad’s viral story continues to inspire, proving that even in turbulent times, humanity can prevail.
