Michael Munene, a landlord in Nyandarua County made news on Saturday, 22 March 2020 after waiving two months’ rent for his tenants in the wake of the Coronavirus pandemic.
He revealed that the commercial properties he has are of two kinds: residential units and commercial units that would have earned 288000 in rent for the months of March and April.
Munene divulged that he is cognizant of the financial situation of his tenants in the wake of the pandemic, with most of them working in flower farms that have announced plans to lay off workers.
“Most of my tenants work in flower farms, and I heard that some could lose their jobs soon. I looked at the situation, and decided to waive the two months’ rent.” Said Munene.
“I would assess the situation and see whether I can extend the mercy period,” he added.
His kind gesture got Kenyans on Twitter talking with most urging their landlords to follow Munene’s example.
“Big Heart God Bless You. Landlord waives rent for two months amid coronavirus outbreak.” Wrote Mohammed Hersi.
Others went a step further and nominated him as landlord of the year.
Others questioned why the government is yet to make any meaningful decision or suggestion regarding paying of rent during the crisis.
Boniface Muthoni wrote: “#MichaelMunene The landLord of the year. May his kindness spread through +254. Even to the people who are selling hand sanitizers at exorbitant prices. Barikiwa sana Sir. @Ma3Route @KenyanTraffic #coronavirusinKenya #covid19kenya #CoronaVirusUpdate #CoronavirusPandemic”.
"I hope my landlord is watching this. I have been one of his tenants for the last 5 years," quipped Mercy Chirchir
"God bless you Mukuru Munene, such sacrifice is not easy. Not even to mentionable Kenyans billionaires," wrote Willie Bin
"My landlord is such a good one... he'll copy what his colleague has done, " added yet another netizen.