In a bizarre twist of romance and law enforcement, a KDF officer orchestrates a terrifying fake arrest to pop the question in a police cell.

Kiambu — Romance is often described as arresting, but for Judith Nyaga, the metaphor became all too literal this Valentine's week. In a stunt that has set social media ablaze and divided opinion on the boundaries of "surprises," her boyfriend, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officer Jackson Mungwari, staged a full-blown police arrest to propose marriage.

The scene unfolded at the Kinoo Police Station, a location usually associated with statements and charge sheets, not diamond rings. Mungwari, known online as Gamaray Kizazi, conspired with friendly officers to detain Judith on fabricated charges. The plan was elaborate, high-risk, and—depending on who you ask—either incredibly romantic or emotionally traumatizing.

The Sting Operation

Judith was taken to the station, confused and visibly distressed. Placed in a cell, she was subjected to the cold reality of Kenyan police custody, unaware that the "crime" she was accused of was stealing a soldier's heart. In a video that has since gone viral, she is seen looking bewildered, pleading her innocence.

The "officers" then allowed her one phone call. Naturally, she dialed her boyfriend, the man she trusted to save her. Mungwari arrived minutes later, not with a lawyer, but with a ring. As the realization dawned on Judith that her legal peril was a ruse, the tension in the room broke. Mungwari went down on one knee, turning the interrogation room into a proposal venue.

"I met Judith two years ago," Mungwari told TUKO.co.ke. "Our journey has been beautiful and soul-fulfilling. I wanted to create a lasting memory." He certainly succeeded. The transition from the fear of imprisonment to the joy of engagement is a rollercoaster few would choose to ride, but for this couple, it ended in a "Yes."

Viral Fame and Mixed Reactions

The incident highlights the extreme lengths to which Kenyans are going to outdo each other in the "proposal wars." From blocking traffic on the Thika Superhighway to hiring billboards, the public proposal has become a competitive sport. Mungwari’s "arrest" takes the crown for audacity.

However, the stunt also raises questions about the use of state resources. While the officers involved were likely acting in good spirits during a quiet shift, the image of a police station—a symbol of state authority—being used for romantic theater sits uneasily with some. Yet, in a country weary of grim news, many celebrated the creativity and the happy ending.

• Groom-to-be: Jackson Mungwari (KDF Officer)
• Bride-to-be: Judith Nyaga
• Venue: Kinoo Police Station
• Method: Fake Arrest

A Story for the Grandkids

For Judith Nyaga, the story of how she got engaged will be hard to top. She went from being a suspect to a fiancée in the span of an hour. It is a quintessentially Kenyan love story: a little bit chaotic, slightly questionable in its execution, but ultimately driven by deep affection.

As the couple plans their wedding, one hopes the ceremony will be less stressful than the proposal. But with Mungwari’s penchant for drama, guests should probably be prepared for anything.