German Ambassador Tickles Kenyans with Joke of Gardener Being Gifted Mercedes, BMW Vehicles
- After decades of dedicated service at the German Embassy in Nairobi, a Kenyan man has ended his stint
- For 34 years, Hesbon Imbwaka worked as a gardener at the German Embassy situated in Nairobi's Riverside Drive area
- Asked what Imbwaka would get, the German ambassador to Kenya jested that he would be farewelled with two vehicles from German manufacturers
Hesbon Imbwaka has called it a day after years of dedicating his time and energy at the German Embassy in Nairobi.
Source: Twitter
The Kenyan has retired from his role as the gardener at the embassy on Nairobi's Riverside Drive.
His retirement was announced by Sebastian Groth, the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nairobi.
How Hesbon Imbwaka was celebrated
Groth lauded Imbwaka for his exceptional service to the embassy for the 34 years he worked there as a gardener.
"Today we bid farewell to bwana Hesbon Imbwaka who retires after 34 yrs of excellent service for 🇩🇪 Embassy #Nairobi. Kwaheri na tutaonana Hesbon!" Groth tweeted, while posing for a photo handing Imbwaka a certificate of recognition.
But Kenyans were curious to know how the embassy would appreciate Imbwaka after all those years of work.
They argued that 34 years was far too long to warrant a certificate of recognition only.
"Is the certificate the only thing you have farewelled him with?" posed Marc Abrahams.
What will Hesbon Imbwaka be gifted with?
Groth, in jest, claimed that two vehicles of the German BMW and Mercedes makes had been identified ahead of his farewell.
He also quipped that Imbwaka would be allowed the chance to pick what he deems fit.
"He'll get 1 Mercedes and 1 BMW for every year in service. His very last day as a gardener is the end of August—so we still have some time to think about something nice. But thanks for asking," Groth joked on X.
But the ambassador's crafty tweet that the Kenyan would be gifted two vehicles did not convince the netizens.
They would not imagine that Imbwaka was going to own 34 vehicles, going by the ambassador's tweet; they questioned how practical the gifting model would be.
@Gabriel Oguda Commentary said:
"Even ambassadors are tired! They're bantering the Kenyan way!"
@Ken Aseka:
"What are you saying balozi. We ain't used to jokes."
@Tyrone:
"Mr. Ambassador cook, I was not familiar with your game. This is why I pay for internet.,"
@Shish Kabucho:
"Sir, you are a bully. Serious business; think of giving a visa to one of his kids as a gift to him. Save the Benz and BMW."
@Karura:
"This Ambassador has Kenya's blood. He's one of our own. He's learnt the art of banter. When is the Nigeria vs Kenya Twar? Tuko one lege."
@Beth Kanario:
"The moment you land in Kenya, you automatically become a bully. Even ambassadors and diplomats."
On the flip side, on a quiet serious note, a section of the netizens implored him to consider sponsoring Imbwaka's children's education.
Others called on him to facilitate a Schengen visa for him and, if possible, a permanent residency; some petitioned for monetary appreciation.
@Ben Ngao said:
"Do it in terms of money, though not actual cars. And one one-month trip to Germany will be a kind gesture if that’s possible."
@Mike Waweru:
"Ever considered a free tour to your country... After all, he worked for 34 years!!! For a country that he probably never stepped foot in!"
@Mac Abrahams:
"Balozi, please be kind enough and offer his daughter or son a paid scholarship for any training in Germany. I am a firm believer in knowledge and technology transfer."
Separately, the United States recently bolstered its parameters in visa applications from Kenyans.
US visa application requirements for Kenya
The US Embassy in Nairobi announced that social media profiles will be included in the list of things to be vetted in the course of visa application.
An applicant will be required to submit all their social media handles for the activities therein in the past five years to be scrutinised.
Source: Twitter
The embassy warned that false submissions would risk one getting a permanent ban in their attempts to be allowed entry into the US.
This came just days after the same embassy introduced integrity fees for those seeking visas, making it a pricey affair for Kenyans seeking the document.
How much will Kenyans pay for US visa?
Currently, the applicants would only pay $185 (equivalent to KSh 24,000), and now with the $250 (KSh 32,200) integrity fee, the cost of the visa will rise to $435 (equivalent to KSh 56,500).
However, unlike the initial fees, the one for integrity is refundable; the fee is applicable in other countries besides Kenya.
International students, short-term tourists, and pleasure and business travellers are among those to be affected.
Countries like Australia and those in the European Union will be part of the Visa Waiver Programme.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
