Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka ordered security to remove his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, from the stage after she introduced political chants during his 50th-anniversary celebration in Nairobi.
The confrontation happened on Saturday, October 10, 2026, during the Machoka@50 Grand Concert at Ulinzi Sports Complex, where the veteran journalist marked five decades in broadcasting.
Orwoba sparked the exchange when she took the microphone during a family introduction segment and began chanting “Wantam”, a political slogan used by critics of President William Ruto’s administration to express opposition to his re-election bid.
She also made hand gestures associated with the slogan, shifting attention from the celebrations to the political message.
Machoka, popularly known as Uncle Fred, interrupted the moment and called on security personnel to intervene.
“Please, security, toa huyu msichana hapa. Out,” he said in footage of the incident that circulated online.
He also warned his niece: “You cannot screw up my job.”
The broadcaster went on to address Orwoba directly, telling her that she would have to follow his instructions when she was in his company.
“Next time you are with your uncle, utajua hapa huna neno, utatii,” he said.
The final part of his remarks was not entirely clear in the circulating recording. However, his repeated calls for security to intervene showed that he wanted Orwoba removed from the stage.
The confrontation drew reactions from concertgoers, with some members of the audience reportedly shouting that the disagreement was a family dispute playing out in public.
The exchange interrupted a celebration organised to honour Machoka’s long career in radio and television.
The event had attracted musicians, politicians, entertainers and other guests for an evening of performances.
Congolese rhumba stars Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel headlined the musical lineup, alongside Cameroonian musician Sam Fan Thomas, Les Wanyika, Them Mushrooms and other performers.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli were among the prominent figures reported to have attended.
Footage of the incident later spread across social media, prompting debate over whether Machoka was justified in keeping the occasion free of political messaging or whether he should have handled the disagreement with his niece privately.
Some commenters supported his decision to maintain the event’s focus, while others criticised the public nature of the reprimand. The available reports do not establish that the audience held a single position on the confrontation.
Orwoba addressed the incident on social media on Sunday, October 11, initially reaffirming her political stance.
“Good Morning! Lazima nikumbushe Uncle mambo ni WANTAM!” she wrote.
Her message kept the slogan at the centre of the conversation after footage of the confrontation gained attention online.
However, Orwoba later came to her uncle’s defence as criticism of his handling of the incident continued.
“Leave my Uncle alone! He is a legend, and he has achieved what very few people on this planet can.
Because of this, he is allowed to deal with me whichever way he wants,” she wrote.
She also urged Kenyans to respect Machoka’s personal and political views.
“So please, those abusing him, respect is paramount. Everyone is allowed to have their political stand, even Uncle Fred. #WANTAM,” she added.
