Celebrities serve a good cause

By Kiundu Waweru

Lunchtime at Ronalo Foods on Friday was a rare treat. Regular waiters took a break as renowned TV and radio personalities and musicians took charge.

With his booming voice and firm handshakes Jeff Koinange took orders and rushed to the service area.

Gospel singer Juliani put together the event at Ronalo Cafe

A moment later he emerged with a plate of steaming fish. Next to him was Nonini trying to balance side plates of ugali. Before long, Jeff spotted a sweat on his forehead.

Perhaps wished for his breezy bench, but the import of the act pushed him on. One woman hugged him and excitedly said: "You are such a good waiter, here is your tip." Jeff, smiling from ear to ear, gladly clutched the handsome Sh1,000 tip. "He turned to the unbelieving regular waiters and said, "Men, if I took your job, I would become rich!"

And that was the mood, a somewhat light moment inspired by very grave circumstances. Kenyans in the north are dying of hunger, while in Nairobi, a good number of them are having pricey meals in classy restaurants, with leftovers for a good measure.

So, Juliani, a gospel musician well known for pulling firsts, organised the event where celebrities would wait tables and donate their tips to the Kenyans for Kenya kitty.

The event was dubbed ‘Kama si Sisi, Celebrities for Kenya’. The gospel artiste, whose real name is Julius Owino, also has a song of the same title.

Other celebs included DJ Pinye, musicians Avril, Neema, BMF and Nameless. Pierra Makena, a radio presenter, Valerie Kimani, a Tusker Project Fame winner and even John Allan Namu, TV presenter, were among the personalities who served at Ronalo, and didn’t the clients like it.

Most of them couldn’t help but gawk at the people who they only see on TV hurrying around trying their best to give excellent service they themselves are accustomed to.

And for their pain, the personalities were tipped generously. "We got Sh75,000," said Juliani after reconciling the sums 5pm. The event began at 10am to 4pm. "It was a success given that we only mobilised the stars from Wednesday," added Juliani.

Presenter Jeff Koinange serves a customer.

The now popular Kenyans for Kenya T -shirts were also on sale. A Sh10,000 top up from Ranalo’s management, brought the total amount to Sh135 000.

"What I have seen here today is amazing," exclaimed Sharon Migalusia, a cabin crew attendant with the Emirates. "I was served by Jeff and Makena. Kenyans can only emulate their good act."

Readily identify

Sharon’s sentiments were echoed by other people who got a chance to be served by their favourite showbiz personalities.

Lizz Njagah, an actress who learnt of the event on Twitter, thought it was a "really cool thing", seeing as the personalities took time off their busy schedules to participate in the noble initiative.

After enjoying his fish and ugali, Vasco Kibamgola of the popular Rumba Japan Band gave Jeff a hug and topped up with Sh1,000. "I hope we had been involved,’ he said, meaning Congolese musicians. "We live in this nation, where people appreciate us and a Kenyan problem is our problem."

Since January, Juliani had been planning to host such an affair. The dreadlocked artiste who brought swag and hip-hop to gospel music says that every Kenyan has a responsibility to make a difference, more so the so-called celebrities that Kenyans look up to.

Work on his Pulpit kwa Street album launch that took place last Sunday on Mama Ngina street meant he had to keep postponing it.

"I thought bringing a hunger problem to an eatery would make people readily identify with the situation. Also, Ranalo, with its African-themed meals was ideal," says Juliani.

"Well, service was a bit slow," noted George Onyango, the supervisor, "the celebs were taking the stew, and forgetting the accompaniments!"

But the proprietor, Osewe, didn’t mind. He says a time comes when one doesn’t have to think about business alone. "In this day, a Kenyan shouldn’t die from hunger. We should encourage such initiatives," He averred.

The public went back to their daily endeavours happy that they had met the celebs, and also participated in a good cause.