Veteran radio presenter Fred Machoka's 50th anniversary celebration, Machoka@50, was held at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Kenya. The high-profile gala featured regional musicians and prominent political figures. Machoka, 73, invited his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, to the stage to introduce family members. However, Orwoba used the opportunity to promote a political message, chanting "WANTAM" and making a hand gesture associated with the opposition campaign.
Orwoba's actions visibly annoyed Machoka, who directed security to remove her from the stage. He expressed his frustration, saying, "Please, Security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You can not screw up my job. Next time you are with your uncle, utajua hapa huna neno, utatii." The gala drew some of Africa's best-known musicians, including Congolese stars Koffi Olomide, Alicios Theluji, and Mbilia Bel, and Cameroonian legend Sam Fan Thomas.
The event was attended by key political figures, including Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna. Kenya's Freshley Mwamburi and the Them Mushrooms group also performed at the celebration. Orwoba's actions split public opinion, with critics calling it disrespectful and supporters seeing it as in keeping with her outspoken political style.
Orwoba has become a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government since her expulsion from UDA in 2025. She aligned herself with former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i and has been using her platform to express her opinions. The next morning, Orwoba took to Facebook and playfully teased her uncle, saying, "Good morning! Lazima nikumbushe, Uncle mambo ni WANTAM!"
Orwoba's decision to use her uncle's career milestone to promote a political message sparked a growing backlash. Critics accused her of being disrespectful, while supporters praised her for being true to herself. The incident has sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Kenyans weighing in on the matter.
Machoka@50 was a celebration of the veteran radio presenter's 50 years in broadcasting. The event featured a lineup of renowned musicians and politicians, showcasing the intersection of entertainment and politics in Kenya. Orwoba's actions have raised questions about the role of politicians and entertainers in Kenyan society.
The incident has highlighted the complexities of family dynamics and politics in Kenya. Orwoba's relationship with her uncle and her outspoken views have sparked a national conversation about the intersection of family, politics, and entertainment. As the debate continues, Kenyans are watching to see how this story unfolds.
Key points
- Gloria Orwoba was removed from her uncle's 50th anniversary celebration for promoting a political message.
- Orwoba has become a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government since her expulsion from UDA in 2025.
- The incident has sparked a growing backlash, with critics accusing Orwoba of being disrespectful and supporters praising her for being true to herself.
