There was a time when this place was simply known as "kwa ambwere." But the official name was Mbale Hotel. This was the tallest building in town and one of the oldest watering holes. In fact the first wines and spirits bar in this town was at the back and it was more like a quiet high-class shop, not the sit-ins that are now popular everywhere.
My best memories of the place are when every december 26 (utamaduni day) we would be allowed to chill out on the rooftop and watch the merry below. On this day the whole country descended on this town (ok i'm not exaggerating because even the former president Moi never missed a chance!) and the festivities lasted well into the next day for those who could hold their booze.
One day we woke up to hear that a certain church had declared war on all watering holes in this town starting with the big mamma of them all. Next thing we knew there was not a single drop of alcohol in the entire building, the name was changed to New Karibu Hotel and henceforth any couples looking for a room would have to produce their marriage certificates! And so it was.
Fast forward and a couple of years later we woke up (again!) to find all the doors chained and padlocked. Word had it that the owner Mr Ambwere had arrived early in the morning, gave all clients one hour to check out and proceeded to lock up the place! Now this guy's temper was legendary so we knew that is exactly what had happened! A notice on the wall stated the reason as rent arrears totalling several million shillings.
Eventually the building was reopened and renamed Mbale Motel. Finally we had our watering hole back. For a while it was good until we woke up (again!!) one day and found out that the watering hole was no more.
In it's place now is Equity bank.
I take this opportunity to welcome the latest addition to my hometown, Equity Bank.
Ps. It will be interesting to see if we shall get our watering hole back, again. Thanks Jacktone Mageto for this pic.
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