Comedian and activist Eric Omondi has credited veteran comedian Daniel Ndambuki, popularly known as Mwalimu Churchill, for transforming his career, describing him as the mentor who discovered his talent and gave him a platform to build his name in the entertainment industry.
Omondi paid tribute to Churchill on Friday, October 30, 2026, as the veteran comedian celebrated his 49th birthday, reflecting on how Churchill shaped his journey from a university student passionate about comedy to one of Kenya’s most recognisable entertainers.
In an emotional Instagram message, Omondi described Churchill as a father figure who believed in his abilities and guided him through the early stages of his career.
“This is literally what you did? You carried me on your shoulders and showed me the future… You discovered me…Taught me everything I know today… You are a True Father … May God continue to shine His face upon you… May you never lack!” Omondi wrote.
He concluded the tribute with a birthday message to his former mentor, writing, “HAPPY BIRTHDAY Mwalimu.”
The tribute renewed attention on the relationship between the two comedians, whose professional association began in 2006 when Omondi was still studying journalism at Daystar University.
Omondi first encountered Churchill at a university event where he had secured an opportunity to work as an MC.
Churchill attended the event, and the young performer seized the opportunity to demonstrate his comedic abilities.
During the event, Omondi performed narratives and poems, impressing Churchill with his stage presence and ability to entertain an audience.
Speaking at a Churchill event in Naivasha in July 2019, Omondi recalled that the veteran comedian asked for his telephone number after watching him perform.
“In 2006, while I was a second-year student at Daystar, I was an MC at an event which Churchill attended. He was impressed by my skills. I was to borrow his phone number later, however, he asked for mine,” Omondi narrated.
However, his television breakthrough did not happen immediately.
He waited two years before Churchill contacted him in 2008 to ask whether he was ready to perform on television.
Churchill instructed him to watch 12 episodes of the programme before preparing for his television debut on the 13th episode.
Omondi described the opportunity as the breakthrough that introduced him to mainstream audiences.
Although Churchill Show gave Omondi national recognition, his early popularity did not immediately translate into financial rewards.
The comedian previously disclosed that he did not receive payment for the three seasons he performed on the programme. However, he considered the exposure more valuable because it allowed him to build a personal brand and attract commercial opportunities.
In May 2026, Omondi offered further insight into the financial transformation he experienced after joining Churchill’s platform.
Speaking on Jeff Koinange’s I AM podcast, he recalled how Churchill’s management, led by Kevin Mulei, helped secure corporate engagements that turned his growing popularity into income.
His first professional booking earned him Sh60,000. Within approximately two weeks, his earnings increased to Sh200,000 before he secured a major billboard and television advertising deal worth Sh1.2 million.
He also recalled walking from Nyayo Roundabout to Carnivore, where the show recorded, because he could not afford transport.
Omondi has repeatedly defended Churchill’s contribution to the entertainment industry, particularly amid disagreements over how comedians should be compensated for appearing on his television platform.
In October 2021, he challenged fellow comedians to appreciate the opportunities Churchill had created rather than blame him for their career struggles.
After three seasons on Churchill Show, Omondi left the programme to pursue independent entertainment projects and create opportunities for other emerging performers.
Omondi subsequently developed his own productions and expanded his entertainment career beyond Kenya.
In recent years, he has also become increasingly involved in activism and humanitarian work through his Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative.
Despite these changes, he has continued to acknowledge the people who supported his early career.
