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.

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."

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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.