A dramatic incident unfolded at the Machoka@50 Grand Concert, a celebration marking Fred Obachi Machoka's 50 years in broadcasting, held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi. The event, which took place on October 10, 2026, was attended by a packed crowd. Gloria Orwoba, Machoka's niece and a former nominated senator, was handed the microphone to address the audience but quickly shifted into political territory.
Orwoba began chanting "Wantam," a slogan associated with calls for President William Ruto to serve only a single term, while also flashing the hand signal for the slogan. This unexpected turn of events prompted a swift reaction from Machoka, who told security to remove her from the stage. He expressed his disappointment, stating that Orwoba was expected to follow his lead whenever she was in his company.
As security moved in to escort Orwoba off the stage, she was reportedly heard firing back. Some audience members reacted to the tense public falling-out between uncle and niece, with some shouting that the clash was a family beef playing out in public. The incident drew significant attention, overshadowing the star-studded lineup that included Congolese Rhumba icons Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel.
The concert itself was a major cultural occasion, running from noon to midnight and featuring a range of performances. Kenyan veteran acts Les Wanyika and Them Mushrooms, as well as Cindy Le Coeur and Cameroonian star Sam Fan Thomas, took to the stage. Citizen TV Kenya supported the promotion of the event, which offered ticket prices ranging from KSh 5,000 for advance regular entry to KSh 25,000 for VVIP.
Gloria Orwoba has been a consistent critic of President Ruto's administration since falling out with the ruling party. She was expelled from the United Democratic Alliance in May 2025 and moved to challenge the decision through the Political Parties Disputes Tribunal and the courts. Orwoba entered Parliament as a nominated senator under the United Democratic Alliance in October 2022.
Orwoba became well known for her campaigns against period poverty and in support of women's rights during her time in Parliament. Her relationship with UDA soured significantly after she aligned herself with former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. The party moved to declare her Senate seat vacant, a decision she challenged.
Despite the star power on show, it was the on-stage confrontation between uncle and niece that had Nairobi talking long after the final act. WeeGo partnered with the organisers to offer fans a 20% discount on rides to the venue. The event was widely covered, with DanVictor Munene, Entertainment editor at Tuko.co.ke, reporting on the incident.
Key points
- Fred Obachi Machoka ordered his niece, Gloria Orwoba, off stage at his 50th anniversary concert for chanting "Wantam," a slogan associated with calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.
- The incident drew significant attention, overshadowing the star-studded lineup that included Congolese Rhumba icons Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel.
- Gloria Orwoba has been a consistent critic of President Ruto's administration since falling out with the ruling party.
