This archive report was first published on 24 April 2020.
Sarova Stanley's Githeri and Rice Meal Sparks Debate Among Kenyans ¶
On April 23, 2020, Sarova Stanley Hotel in Nairobi made headlines after delivering free meals to healthcare workers at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). The hotel's gesture was met with a mix of reactions from Kenyans, with some praising the hotel's kindness and others criticizing the choice of food.
According to a social media post by Sarova Stanley, the hotel pledged to provide daily lunches to the more than 200 healthcare workers at KNH. The post read, 'Kudos to the frontline healthcare workers as they help the Government manage the Covid19 pandemic. To appreciate their efforts, we'll provide daily lunches to the more than 200 healthcare workers. Thank you, we recognize your bravery & commitment.'
However, what sparked a heated debate on social media was the content of the lunch pack. The hotel packed a meal of githeri, white rice, and some vegetables on the side. While some Kenyans praised the hotel's gesture, others felt that the food did not live up to the standards of a five-star hotel.
One Twitter user, @kamanu_willy, praised the hotel's effort, saying, 'that food was so tasty.' However, another user, @brianyoboz, criticized the hotel's choice of food, saying, 'Sarova wamesema all you guys need to eat healthy, cabbage na githeri tosha.'
Despite the mixed reactions, the hotel's gesture was appreciated by many Kenyans. As one user, @Ms_KNjoroge, put it, 'Sometimes, people need to muzzle their tongues & gain some wisdom when a kind gesture is extended.'
