Jokes galore, a bottle of White Cap... Inside comedy legend Dave Chappelle's Kenya show

The Wednesday show, which was announced on Monday morning caught many of his Kenyan fans by surprise and just when people were trying to get ready to buy tickets, it was announced they were sold out in two hours. A ticket was going for Ksh.7,000, a fair price to see one of the best to ever tell jokes for a living.

Many still did not believe the comedic genius would perform in Kenya but hope springs eternal, especially for those who bought the tickets.

There was one photo doing the rounds that he had landed in the country but there was no actual proof. It was said even the organisers did not know where he was staying though it later emerged he flew to the world-renown Maasai Mara National Reserve staying at the luxurious Angama Mara lodge with his wife and eldest son.

Dave Chappelle shows off his jumping skills as he joins the Maasai dancers at the Masai Mara. Photo I Mathieu Bitton

Wednesday rolled around, the moment of truth came and the legend proved he was a man of his word and showed up at the Louis Leaky Auditorium much to the delirium of those in attendance and more pain for those who missed out.

The venue, which holds 300 people was packed and everyone was ready for the man of the moment. But first, some Kenyan stand-up artists Eric Lu Savali and Ciru Mwangi were selected to curtain raise for Dave Chappelle and they did not disappoint.

Then the man, the legend was up and next and he lived up to the expectations. First, it was a no-phone-allowed event.

The organisers of the event, Punchline Comedy Club Nairobi, had mentioned that phones, cameras or recording devices which included smart watches would not be allowed into the auditorium.

"Upon arrival, all phones and smart watches will be secured in Yondr pouches that will be unlocked at the end of the show. Guests maintain possession of their phones throughout the night, and if needed, may access their phones at designated Yondr unlocking stations in the lobby. Anyone caught with a cell phone in the venue will be immediately ejected. We appreciate your cooperation in creating a phone-free viewing experience."

None of the 300 people present looked like they had a problem with this rule and everyone was just present in the moment, just laughter and good vibes, a true Dave Chappelle experience.

Dave Chappelle with Kenyan comedian Eric Lu Savali backstage. Photo I Mathieu Bitton

Dave Chappelle was happy to be in Kenya and on stage, he was in high spirits and the jokes were rolling out seamlessly. He did not have a rehearsed set and he seemed like he was testing out some of his jokes for his next mega show that will probably end up on Netflix.

On his decision to perform in Kenya, Dave Chappelle explained how a conversation with his Kenyan friend of 15 years convinced him to come to Kenya which is just five hours away from Abu Dhabi for Safari before he asked about the comedy "vibe" in Kenya.

He announced he is planning an Africa-wide tour and decided to do a few shows in Kenya and Kigali, Rwanda to get a feel before the tour.

The rest of the show was just as amazing, he talked about everything from Trump, Diddy and of course his favourite topic the LGBTQ debate which seems to always get many livid and trying to cancel him.

At one point during his show, a member of the crowd, an up-and-coming comedian offered him a White Cap lager which Dave Chappelle accepted and even drank much to the excitement of those present.

On the no-phones rule, he said it was because he wanted everyone present to connect without the distractions of phones and social media adding the lack of connection is the reason why the world is messed up, but not in those exact words.

After his show, he posed for a photo with his curtain-raisers and two other Kenyan comedians, thanked the fans and left.

The next day he was at the Carnivore Restaurant for lunch before he flew to Kigali, Rwanda where he was scheduled for another show.

Dave Chappelle signs the visitor's book at Carnivore Restaurant, Nairobi after lunch. Photo I Carnivore