Truth About Popular Njuguna's Restaurant Closing Down After 50 Years

Former MP Kabando wa Kabando was among Kenyans reacting to the reported closure...

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Jan 30, 2023 - 16:33 Updated: Jan 30, 2023 - 16:34
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Truth About Popular Njuguna's Restaurant Closing Down After 50 Years
A collage of workers at Njuguna's place. /TWITTER

Reports went rife on social media on Sunday, January 29 that Njuguna's Place situated along Waiyaki Way, one of the most popular nyama choma joints in Nairobi, closed down after five decades in service.

The restaurant was renowned for serving thousands of nyama choma-loving Kenyans in the city and those who travelled along the busy highway, with the joint located a few hundred metres before the entrance of the Nairobi Expressway.

Former MP Kabando wa Kabando was among Kenyans reacting to the reported closure, terming the place a home for countless generations of Kenyans who flocked to the restaurant that stood the test of time.

An aerial view of Njuguna's restaurant along Waiyaki Way in Nairobi. /TWITTER

"NJUGUNAS was home for generations without count. Someone should pen a book on it," he wrote.

Viral Tea however established that the closure is only temporary as it is undergoing renovations to turn it into a joint capable of competing with the modern-day clubs, bars and restaurants in the city.

A tweet by Ma3Route read "Njugunas, ABC along Waiyaki way wako (are) under renovations, kindly Wababaz msikuje huku (don't come here)".

Citizen Digital further reported that workers at the site were constructing a perimeter fence as the construction work began.

The owners want a modern structure that is bigger and more appealing to its customers, with the current Njuguna's structure being demolished as a modern one complete with space upstairs comes up.

The eatery got its famous name from Joseph Njuguna Macharia, who died in August 2015. He established the joint in the 70s, to serve nyama choma to the community around the Kabete military camp, a neighbour of the joint, and during a time when Waiyaki Way was known as Salisbury Way.

Njuguna's is said to have gained popularity among some of the prominent people in the KANU administration, thanks to its delicious nyama choma that came with ugali, mukimo and other side accompaniments.

The restaurant had a clientele dominated by prominent personalities, including political figures. Among those said to have been frequenting the joint were former President Uhuru Kenyatta, Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga, veteran broadcaster Leonard Mambo Mbotela, the late former President Mwai Kibaki and the late Hezekiah Oyugi.

Despite numerous other nyama choma eateries sprouting across Nairobi and its environs, Njuguna's remained famous among meat lovers seeking a scrumptious meal whether after work on Fridays, during lunch or during the weekends.

Upon his death, Njuguna left the management of the eatery to his children, who now want to upgrade it to match the Westlands environs and compete with leafy suburbs eateries in Nairobi.

Nyama choma being prepared at Njuguna's place. /TWITTER