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It was in August of 2006 when I met Obama for the first time, and I am not sure there would be a second time. Meeting such people is a rarity in this world,” says Mutuku Maingi then Senior Maitr’d, or the Head Waiter, at Allan Bobbes Bistro, then located off Riverside Drive, Chiromo.
“It was on the day of his lecture at UoN, when he also planted a commemorative tree at Uhuru Park. On the eve of the day, we received communication that the hotel would be fully booked for lunch the following day, from 10am to 2pm. We were asked to carry our name tags, which we were required to produce at the entrance,” says Maingi, now the Operations Manager at the 160-bed Three Steers Hotel, in Meru County.
“He entered the restaurant, with his wife Michelle, daughters Malia and Sasha, the late Prof Wangari Maathai and her daughter Wanjera. There was also the US Ambassador and other dignitaries. Of course he had his men in black, but all of them were white,” says Maingi.
“As the Head Waiter, I was the one to take the orders at his table. I was also directing other waiters. Three waiters were charged with taking care of Obama’s table, and our other three waiters took orders from other tables,” revealed Maingi, a former employee at the National Airports Services (NAS), Presidential Pavillion.
“I took Obama’s order. He ordered for a grilled red snapper, fish, with some English potatoes, French beans and sprouts and water,” Maingi said. To Obama’s right, sat his wife and children. To his left sat Prof Maathai and the US Ambassador.
“There were about 30 to 40 people in total, but Allan Bobbes Bistro had a capacity of between 60 to 70. This was exclusive, so no other visitors were coming in. Obama exchanged pleasantries with the hotel’s management and staff just before settling for lunch.
“He read my name tag, smiled and enquired, ‘How are you, Sir?”
“He is a very charming man. One of his daughters, Malia, was very close to him on his right, and she just suddenly puked on his blazer. I think it was a stomach upset,” says Maingi.
“Obama didn’t move away; he held her close, patting her. I relieved him of the blazer and took it to the bar and asked a worker to clean it with club soda, which is very effective. I then took it to my office and put it on a hanger to dry.The party had their lunch, and Mr Maingi says it remains one of the highlights of his career.
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