Former Kenya Sevens rugby player and renowned chef Dennis Ombachi has called on young people to prioritize hard work and discipline instead of taking shortcuts.
Through a statement shared on his X account on Thursday, November 28, 2024, Ombachi highlighted the value of earning money through honest means, noting that shortcuts often come with consequences.
“Hard-earned money is not loud. Actually, you’re paranoid about showing off in case of impotence because you know the effort it takes to make it. Shortcuts in life exist, as a young person don’t be led by greed, as shortcuts could easily cut short your life,” he said.
Ombachi’s advice comes at a time when cases of young and seemingly successful individuals dying under mysterious circumstances are on the rise in Kenya.
The celebrated chef is also known to advocate for mental health.
Hard earned money is not loud, actually you’re paranoid of showing off in case ipotee because you know the effort it takes to make it.
Shortcuts in life exists, as a young person don’t be led by greed, as shortcuts could easily cut short your life.— dennis ombachi OLY (@ombachi13) November 28, 2024
Ombachi’s advice on drugs
In October 2023, Ombachi raised concerns over the growing issue of alcohol and drug abuse among young people.
Taking to his X account, the self-taught chef linked the troubling trend to Kenya’s challenging economic conditions, which he believed are driving more youth toward substance abuse.
He warned that the repercussions of these struggles could persist for years.
“With the current economic situation, alcohol & drug abuse amongst the youth will keep on escalating, and the pandemic will manifest in years to come. The hopelessness has crept in hadi ushago and it’s bad bad!” Ombachi noted.
Mental health
In a 2021 interview, Ombachi opened up about his mental health journey, revealing his diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
“I was diagnosed with bipolar, and following a few therapy sessions, I was informed that I have bipolar and ADHD,” he revealed.
Ombachi, whose rugby career was jeopardized by a severe injury during the 2017/18 season, spoke about his struggles. He admitted to having made several suicide attempts during his career and enduring repeated episodes of self-harm.
Using his platform as a professional rugby player and Olympian, Ombachi actively chose to advocate for mental health awareness.
