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A Kenyan gardener, Hesbon Imbwaka, has captured public attention after turning down a promised Mercedes and BMW upon his retirement from the German Embassy in Nairobi, instead opting to be gifted chickens to begin a poultry farm.
Imbwaka, who dedicated 34 years of service to the embassy, was celebrated on August 1 when German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, shared a photo of him receiving a certificate. Groth pledged to reward the longtime gardener with “German machines,” sparking widespread online discussions and praise for his loyalty.
Social media users lauded Imbwaka’s decades of dedication, with many suggesting additional rewards such as a trip to Germany. Crystal Gardens Landscape & Gardening Services described him as “a knowledgeable plantsman,” crediting him for maintaining the embassy’s pristine gardens. Others highlighted his commitment as a model of strong employer-employee relations.
Groth later clarified in a post on August 29 that while he had intended to hand over the luxury cars, Imbwaka requested livestock instead. “I wanted to hand him over the 68 German machines. He opted for some kuku instead to start off a poultry farm. That’s the real Luhya spirit,” Groth wrote on X.
Photos shared by the ambassador showed Imbwaka receiving five chickens, a feeder, and a 50kg bag of layers mash. The practical choice resonated with many Kenyans, who applauded his decision as both culturally significant and financially sensible.
Online reactions ranged from humorous to heartfelt. Some users joked about missing out on the luxury cars, while others admired the embassy for recognizing Imbwaka’s service in a meaningful way. One X user quipped, “Congratulations but still #BenzForHesbon,” while another remarked, “That’s being human—thanks a lot on his behalf, Sebastian.”
Others used the moment to highlight cultural pride. “Now you understand why African culture is one of the greatest in the history of humankind,” wrote Arwas Sulwe.
Despite playful banter, the gesture has been widely praised as a fitting acknowledgment of Imbwaka’s decades of service, cementing his retirement as one marked by both gratitude and laughter.
