Ombachi Hints at Cooking Collaboration With French Government

Popular Kenyan chef and content creator Dennis Ombachi has sparked mixed reactions online after hinting at a possible collaboration with the French government, who are in Nairobi attending the Africa Forward Summit.

The chef, famously known as “The Roaming Chef,” shared a photo of a sufuria placed on a cooker alongside a short message on X that immediately caught the attention of his followers.

“Calm before the Storm 🇰🇪🤝🇲🇫,” Ombachi posted.

The post quickly triggered speculation, curiosity, excitement, and criticism from different Kenyans online, with many trying to guess what the collaboration could involve.

Speculation Over Balcony Cooking Session

Some social media users wondered whether the collaboration could involve a special cooking session at Ombachi’s famous balcony kitchen, while others joked that he could be heading to State House for the episode.

Over the years, Ombachi has turned his Nairobi balcony kitchen into a global attraction, hosting celebrities, diplomats, journalists, and influential personalities.

Among the notable names he has previously hosted are Nigerian singer Davido, Tanzanian musician Alikiba, British reporter Dylan Page, former Chief Justice David Maraga, French Ambassador Arnaud Suquet, and German Ambassador Sebastian Groth.

His cooking sessions often feature Kenyan meals such as nyama choma, ugali, and mokimo.

Also Read: Emmanuel Macron Arrives in Kenya for Africa Forward Summit

Ombachi Faces Criticism Over Alleged “Collaboration”

However, not everyone welcomed the announcement positively.

Some Kenyans criticized the chef, accusing him of associating himself with foreign governments at a time when political discussions around international influence in Kenya remain sensitive online.

One user identified as Nzioka Muli wrote,“How would a collaborator look like today? Nchi inauzwa but let’s pretend so the bread doesn’t stop being buttered.”

Another user, Saint Patrick, questioned the move, saying,“You’re welcoming France into your home? Come on bro… nchi zingine wachana nazo bana. Decline politely ama lazima bag?”

Kyalo Jnr also criticized Ombachi, calling him,“A collaborator. A house negro.”

Jill wrote,“His job is to make you warm up to your colonizer over a Kenyan meal.”

Also Read: How African Countries Will Benefit from the Africa Forward Summit

Others Defend the Celebrity Chef

Despite the criticism, many Kenyans defended Ombachi and congratulated him for growing his brand internationally.

Some argued that the chef has spent years building his cooking content and deserves global opportunities.

A user identified as Mesh wrote,“Kwendeni huko all you guys bashing Ombachi. You are just jealous. Learn from him how the universe operates.”

Global Stand, said,“You’re international bro, butter your bread and soar higher and let the haters wail their lungs out.”

Tyfa Kenya also praised the move, saying,“Politics aside, this is awesome. Big steps, congratulations!”

Others pointed out that Ombachi’s balcony cooking sessions have already hosted diplomats and international guests before, making the latest collaboration unsurprising to some fans.

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French President Emmanuel Macron has arrived at State House, Nairobi, for the Africa Forward Summit and was welcomed by President William Ruto. PHOTO/PCS.