Nairobi Waitress Returns Misplaced Ksh300,000

t
A file image of a waitress at work
Kenyans.co.ke
Samuel Otieno

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you - these are the powerful words of Princess Diana. 

The story of a Nairobi waitress who returned misplaced Ksh300,000 left at a city hotel near CBD became the talk of town. The major question many asked was why she refunded the money. 

Many argued that the money was a life-changing opportunity for her. “I would have quit the job,” I read one comment on Facebook. “ I would have built my mother a house back up-country,” another stated. 

I laughed as I went through the phone. Kenyans would never cease to amaze me. 

“Why did I really return the cash?” I asked myself. 

My name is July. The most talked-about Nairobi waitress and I thought it was better I personally share my story. 

In early August, I received a call from my boss asking me to cover Sarah’s shift. My colleague had given birth to a bouncing baby girl and the boss, Jared, had taken a number of other employees to surprise her at the maternity wards. 

I was off on that weekend and had planned to go for a road trip to Oloitokitok near Kenya - Tanzania border and, the majestic Kilimanjaro is within the neighbourhood.

“Cancel all plans July,” Jared said, with his voice booming over the phone.

“But why should I not join you guys to see Sarah and the new addition?” I asked. 

“No one else knows the customers better than you do,” Jared retorted. I knew he was smiling after nailing it. He knew I adored compliments and true to it I was also smiling over the phone. 

I am passionate about my work. Started with my course, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality at an uptown university and a blend of practicals from recipes posted online. I tell you, this girl can cook. 

But at my workplace, I was tasked to serve as I had a way of connecting with our high-end clients. Some days I would get tips, sometimes would hear happy and sad stories, some clients at times opened up to deep issues that I would listen to and offer my advice.

“You should think of doing a course in therapy. Or are you a psychologist,” a Sikh once told me much to my delight. 

 

f
Traffic snarl-up at Uhuru Highway in Nairobi in March 2020.
Kenyans.co.ke

Josephine, the head chef was the first I bumped into when I checked in at work and she was so hyper, excitement written all over her face. 

“Have you heard July? Have you heard?” Josephine stated, pulling me aside. 

I knew definitely there comes that girl talk again. Some rumours and gossip, fashion and relationships. 

“Sarah and her husband and the new baby….” Josephine started before I cut her off.

“Hush! Not in the mood today Jossy. Can’t we even celebrate her for one minute,” I said giving her that look that always made her burst into laughter. 

“Okay, July. Okay… “ she added as we both proceeded to work. 

However, a leather bag at the table in the further end caught my attention while I was cleaning the tables. This bag had been rooted at the same spot for nearly an hour. I asked the security guard if someone had laid claim to it, but none. 

“Do I have to alert the police?” he stated clutching on his walkie-talkie. 

“No, wait. It must have been scanned at the entry. The guards would have raised an alarm,” my critical thinking had just saved us from causing a panic. 

I opened the bag and was hit by some shock waves running down my spine. New Kenya banknotes, wrapped in bundles of thousands. 

“Woooo,” the security guy exclaimed as he touched my shoulder. I know that touch. That was the touch that communicates to your brain saying “Let us share the spoils.” 

I know that voice that speaks in the back of your head and in a fraction, reminds you of all the woes and tribulations you are facing, that neighbour who bragged about his new car, the boss who denied you a salary raise, the holiday in Dubai and… the list is endless. 

“No. This is someone’s money. They may be stranded. Or it may be fake money. Let us keep it at the office, record it as lost and found and alert Jared, our boss,” finally the angel in me had taken control. 

“There is a business card,” I picked it up as I read the contents. “Thomas, a real estate developer,” I said as I stared at other employees who had gathered. 

I called Jared and later on the real estate investor and explained that he had left his possession but it was safe with us. 

“Thank you. What did you say your name was again… July..oh yes.. July. I thought I had actually lost it somewhere and was so scared. That is a client’s money. I was so scared. You can tell….” he muttered more words, repeating the same phrases again and again. 

Maybe God had asked me to check in at work to save an embattled investor. Maybe someone else would have run away with the money… thoughts could not stop flowing in my mind. 

A few hours later, this bulky person appeared at the entrance tagging along with a slender guy, carrying a briefcase.

“July, where is July,” he shouted capturing the attention of the whole hotel. We had managed to keep under wraps the incident, for fearing of - haa maybe someone would have tried to rob us. Nairobi ni shamba la mawe

“This is my business card and this is my client. This is my ID and here is the bank statement. Do this prove that I am the legitimate owner? You can also call my number here…” he stated showcasing his phone. 

I knew him. He was a familiar pundit on television and also an attorney. Jared by then had also arrived and handled the case. 

An applause and standing ovation from my colleagues and customers almost brought me to tears. Selfies and photos, posts on social media - the story began going viral.

“Why didn’t you take the money,” the client, who had at all times been quiet, broke his silence.

“I earn decently. I am an honest person and I did not want to lose my job, my credibility and break the law. Besides, I get decent deals at the biggest betting platform in Kenya, Betika. 

“Betika has more offers than you can ever know. I’m a sports guru and would have made that money in a few months time,” I stated. 

A customer who was standing nearby intruded asking if I could show him how to bet. “I have really desired to do so. Let me buy some bundles,” he stated.

“No. Save your bundles! You don’t need bundles to place a bet at Betika.com! Betika bila bundles my friend. Betika is well aware of this pain as their customers heavily rely on the availability of an internet connection to place their bets. 

“It is always a discomfort receiving that infamous “Your bundle balance is below 2MB” message. Betika customers no longer require to have data bundles to place a bet or view and analyze games on the Betika website.

Betika Bila Bundles promotional offer allows one to access the domain www.betika.com free of charge, specifically for terminating internet access to this domain, including the Betika mobile app. Charges may apply for accessing other Betika services. 

This offer only applies to any individual who accesses www.betika.com using the mobile network operator. Betika Bila Bundles promotion does not apply to Betika live streaming features and is not to be used for any commercial purpose whatsoever. 

“I appreciate your honesty,” the client stated, adding that I had found a creative way to make an extra income. 

“For refunding my money,” I am offering you a fully paid trip to a place of your choice abroad with an additional token,” he pledges. 

Guess where I have been narrating to you my story from - below a palm tree in Seychelles!