Retiring Gardener Offered Mercedes and BMW by German Embassy Opts for Chicken

A Kenyan gardener, Hesbon Imbwaka, who had been promised a Mercedes and a BMW upon retiring after 34 years of service at the German Embassy in Nairobi, has surprised many by opting for chickens instead.

German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, had on August 1 promised to gift Imbwaka German machines after sharing a photo of the gardener holding a certificate—a gesture that sparked widespread reactions online.

Kenyans congratulated Hesbon Imbwaka for his dedication, while some suggested additional gifts, including the possibility of him traveling to Germany.

An X user, @StartupwithTrey, wrote: “34 years — that is astounding job security. In this day and age, such stability is equivalent to finding a unicorn. Congratulations to Hesbon; the pension must be great.”

Meanwhile, Crystal Gardens Landscape & Gardening Services praised Hesbon as a skilled plantsman: “A knowledgeable plantsman. No wonder the garden at the German Embassy is top-notch. Congratulations Hesbon.”

Gabriel Maunda also lauded Hesbon’s loyalty and dedication, calling it a shining example of a strong employer-employee relationship, humorously adding that he hoped Hesbon now has a German (Deutschland) passport.

Groth later responded that the retiree would receive “1 Mercedes and 1 BMW for every year in service.”

Also Read: German Govt Announces Fully Paid Scholarship with Monthly Stipend: How to Apply

Hesbon Imbwaka Turns Down Mercedes and BMW from German Embassy, Chooses Chickens Instead

However, in a post on Friday, August 29, Groth revealed that he had initially intended to hand over the luxury cars, but Hesbon opted instead to be gifted chickens to start a poultry farm.

“Hey guys — I noticed that you followed the retirement of our Chief Gardener Hesbon with big interest. Today was his very last day. I wanted to hand him over the 68 German machine,” Groth wrote.

 “He opted for some kuku instead to start off a poultry farm. That’s the real Luhya spirit.”

Images shared by the diplomat on X platform showed Groth and Hesbon Imbwaka holding one chicken while four others lay nearby, alongside 50 kg of layers mash and a feeder.

Also Read: Reactions as German Embassy Offers ‘Mercedes and BMW’ to Retiring Gardener

Kenyans Express Mixed Reactions After Hesbon’s Decision

The announcement sparked a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing a range of emotions from amusement to admiration for the gardener’s practical decision.

While some jokingly lamented missing out on luxury cars, others praised the Embassy for recognizing a dedicated worker in a meaningful way.

Kivaki wa Othaya tweeted, “Mluhya sio binadamu” (loosely translated as “a Luhya is not a human being”), while Yusuf Anyanzwa joked, “Congratulations but still #BenzForHesbon.”

Clinton Opati commended the gesture, asking whether the gardener had been provided with a small chicken house and guidance on raising poultry.

Many others celebrated the move. Tr Felix Owuor commented, “That’s being human, thanks a lot on his behalf Sebastian, meanwhile I can be the next gardener,” while a user @_abincha added, “Thank you for appreciating the man and gifting him in retirement.”

Some reactions were humorous, such as Herbert Walker, who wrote, “Thank you very much, Ambassador, for your kind heart. Kindly, if there is any other work, I am available for it. God bless you,” while Eric Kubu suggested, “An Audi Q8 will top it up better.”

Meanwhile, others reflected on cultural pride. Arwas Sulwe noted, “Now you understand why African culture is one of the greatest in the history of humankind.”

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