Fred Machoka Confronts Gloria Orwoba Over WANTAM Chants at His 50th Anniversary

Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka was visibly unhappy after his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, appeared to engage in political chants during his 50th anniversary celebration in Nairobi.

A video circulating on Sunday, October 11, captured the tense moment at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where the veteran media personality had gathered guests to celebrate five decades in broadcasting. The exchange occurred during the Saturday, October 10, event, which brought together politicians, musicians and other prominent personalities.

In the video, Machoka is heard asking security officers to remove someone from the area as he expressed frustration over what was happening.

“Please, security, toa huyu msichana hapa. Out,” he says in the recording, before adding, “You cannot screw up my job.”

Machoka also appears to address Orwoba directly, reminding her that she was at an event organised to celebrate his career. However, parts of his remarks are unclear in the circulating footage, making it difficult to establish the full context of the confrontation.

The incident attracted attention because the celebration was intended to honour his long contribution to Kenya's media and entertainment industries.

The reported exchange centred on the appearance of WANTAM chants, a political slogan associated with calls for President William Ruto to serve only one term.

The incident placed a political spotlight on an occasion that had largely been organised around Machoka's broadcasting career and his influence on Kenyan music and radio.

The available video does not provide a complete account of what happened before the confrontation or establish precisely what prompted Machoka to call security.

The veteran broadcaster, popularly known as Uncle Fred, marked his golden jubilee in the media industry with the Machoka @50 Grand Concert at Ulinzi Sports Complex.

He is widely recognised for his long-running Roga Roga programme, which has helped popularise African rhumba music among Kenyan audiences.

The advertised concert lineup included Congolese rhumba star Koffi Olomide, Mbilia Bel, Sam Fan Thomas and other performers.

The celebration marked a major milestone for Machoka, whose career has spanned five decades in radio and television.

Although the circulating footage has drawn attention to his exchange with Orwoba, the full circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.