Though Nairobi hotelier William Osewe met former Attorney General Charles Njonjo later in his life, he has fond memories of the times they interacted.
Osewe yesterday said he first met Njonjo, who died on Sunday aged 101, at his restaurant on Kimathi Street in Nairobi’s Central Business District in 2008.
According to the hotelier, the visit came at a time when there was tension in the country and his subsequent visit with former Prime Minister Raila Odinga “helped cool the tension especially between certain tribes.”
Njonjo went there unannounced and after sitting, he proceeded to the serving counter where he ordered fish.
“He insisted on carrying the food to his table but I offered to help him carry a plate. We chatted for some time before he left,” Osewe said.
The next time Njonjo came to the restaurant, he was accompanied by Raila and a few friends.
“We established a rapport and I sought his assistance over some personal issues,” he said.
Osewe said that during their first scheduled meeting, he was embarrassed as he arrived late.
“I had asked to meet him and he obliged. We agreed we meet at my restaurant at 10am.
I arrived at 10.15am only to find out that he had been there by 10am,” Osewe said.
They became close and one day he had to drive Njonjo to one of his offices in Westlands when his driver delayed.
“He had finished eating but the driver was not around. I asked if I could drop him at his office and he agreed,” Osewe said.
