Kenyan TV star hosts Planet Telecom

A traditional Maasai elder is recognized throughout Kenya for the clever commercial he appears in as himself—a Maasai warrior and chief who, while herding cattle and goats on an arid mountainside, spies a safari wagon broken down. Astonishing the stranded tourists, he then calls for help from a cell phone hidden under his blanket robes.

As well known as Don Cherry is to us, the well-known face framed by traditionally 8 cm-gapped, perforated ear lobes gets a chuckle whenever seen by his fellow countrymen.

Pictured with Joseph Mwangi, Managing Director of Planet Telecom Kenya, left, and CEO Dave Veilleux, Kenya’s beloved TV star, Ilanet Milau Ole Nena was one of two Maasai elders presiding over a feast of freshly slaughtered goat April 1 in Ole Poes Village. 

Dave was among five foreigners present in the group of about 30 guests and 80 villagers. Our CEO is flattered at having been chosen to receive an elder’s stick at the traditional celebration. The sporadically given honour is presented to a man who both visually and in demeanor displays wisdom and leadership—someone who others will naturally follow.

A yard of smoothly polished black wood, an elder stick is seldom bestowed on visitors. It was pointed out that Dave’s full head of grey hair had impressed the dancing troupe of young male warriors. Kenyan life expectancy is only about 43.

Some here at Planet Telecom have become concerned about Dave returning to Edmonton with a swelled head. He has promised to leave the stick at home.

With his newfound respect and authority amongst the Maasai, Dave figures he will shortly convince them of VOiP’s value—reliability and, especially, affordability could not be of more value to another people (or the guests they host in remote villages).