Dennis Ombachi Rejects Lucrative Deals: “I’ve Turned Down Heavy Bags”

Former Kenya 7’s rugby player turned award-winning food content creator, Dennis Ombachi, also known as The Roaming Chef, has revealed that he has declined several lucrative brand deals because they did not align with his beliefs and principles.

The father of two made this revelation following a viral post on X, where he announced cutting ties with telecommunications company Safaricom. Ombachi decided to end his collaboration with Safaricom after allegations surfaced that the company had intentionally disrupted services on the evening of Tuesday the 25th, during the Reject Finance Bill protests when citizens occupied Parliament.

Some social media users questioned his decision to sever ties with the telecom giant, prompting Ombachi to clarify his stance on his X page.

“My decisions are all based on my values, not money,” firmly stated the Olympian.

He further shared that he had previously turned down substantial offers from betting and alcoholic brands due to his beliefs and life experiences.

“I have turned down heavy bags from betting and alcoholic brands because of what I believe in and life experiences. Money can buy all the nice things, but of what use are they if we lose all the things that money can’t buy?” Ombachi wrote.

After his post gained traction, social media influencer and artist The Magunga also announced he would be following in Ombachi’s footsteps and cutting ties with Safaricom.

In his post, The Magunga wrote, “I will earn my keep elsewhere! It’s a tough decision since I have been loyal to Safaricom for over 10 years and we have worked together all along. But after what you guys did, I am ashamed to be associated with you.”

He further acknowledged that seeing Ombachi’s stand gave him the courage to make his own stance public.

“I have to admit that my decision—while it is something I held in my heart since yesterday—was emboldened by Ombachi this morning,” his tweet read.

The two influencers join a growing list of notable figures, including content creator Muchiri Mike, globally acclaimed actress Kate Kamau, and gospel artist and podcast host Ben Cyco, who have also announced they will no longer work with the telecommunications company.

Ben Cyco even went as far as pulling his songs from Safaricom’s Skiza platforms, marking the end of an era for him.