Citizen TV journalist Jeff Koinange has long been known for his deep baritone voice, signature laugh, and fiery interviews. But when it comes to Kenya’s street food scene, let’s just say… he’s a little out of his depth!
Recently, Jeff’s colleagues at Hot 96 FM, led by his ever-mischievous co-host Patrick Igunza, decided it was time for him to step out of his comfort zone.
Having grown up in an affluent neighbourhood, Jeff had never truly experienced the magic of kibandaski (local eatery) dining. And so, his initiation began—with none other than the legendary anti-theft meat!
For those unfamiliar, anti-theft meat consists of ultra-thin slices of beef—so small, in fact, that the joke is they can’t be stolen.
The moment was captured in a video that quickly went viral, with Jeff cautiously poking at his plate using a fork.
“This is the anti-theft? Wish me luck,” he said before taking a tentative bite. As his colleagues roared with laughter, Jeff nodded in approval, savoring the taste. “Mmmm! That’s really anti-theft. No one is stealing this!”
Kenyans React: “Next, We Feed Him Matumbo!”
Kenyans on social media had a field day with Jeff’s new experience. The comment section exploded with amusement and suggestions for his next challenge:
- “Next time, ni matumbo! Acha tupeleke tumbo ya mzae kwa mdagiz!”
- “Mbona hio kibandaski imeenda group of schools? Pelekeni yeye kwa mahali mpishi ni cashier na waiter!”
- “Aogee kwa karai next! Hii maisha ya soft life haiwezi endelea buana!”
- “Jeff akule matumbo ndio aweze kuisema vizuri!”
The internet had spoken—his street food initiation was far from over.
Jeff vs. KDF: A Battle for the Ages
But this wasn’t the first time Jeff had stunned Kenyans with his lack of street food knowledge. A few years ago, he admitted he had never eaten KDF—not the military, but the hardy fried dough snack named after the Kenya Defence Forces for its tough texture.
During a show on Hot 96, journalist Ayub Abdikadir playfully quizzed Jeff:
The studio erupted into laughter.
“Why are you laughing?” Jeff asked, genuinely puzzled.
When Ayub clarified that he was talking about the snack, Jeff was even more confused.
“How can I eat a soldier?” he innocently asked.
The laughs just kept coming. When handed a KDF to try, Jeff hesitated but finally took a bite—another historic moment in his street food journey.
What’s Next for Jeff?
After conquering anti-theft meat and KDF, Kenyans are now plotting his next adventure. Will he face mutura (Kenyan sausage) at a roadside grill? Will he master the art of eating matumbo (tripe) with his hands? Only time will tell.
by GEOFFREY MBUTHIA
