By Nyang’au Araka
For half a century, his voice has travelled through Kenya’s airwaves, accompanying generations through music, conversation, entertainment and some of the most memorable moments in the country’s broadcasting history.
Now, as veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka prepares to mark 50 years in the media, senators have been recalling the man behind the familiar voice, with some sharing personal memories of how his work shaped their childhood and public life.
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The tributes came on Tuesday when senators took turns to celebrate Machoka’s contribution to broadcasting and entertainment ahead of his anniversary celebration on Saturday.
For Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka, Machoka was part of the cultural soundtrack of his generation.
Onyonka recalled how Machoka introduced him and many others to Lingala music, breaking into the language as he paid tribute to the veteran broadcaster.
“Obachi Machokaa ndiye alinifundisha Kilingala. Unasema Masango nini, Masango bien, Malamu nini, Malamu bien,” Onyonka said.
His recollection captured the influence Machoka had beyond the microphone, particularly among young Kenyans who grew up listening to his programmes and following his infectious presentation style.
Onyonka called for greater recognition of such personalities, suggesting that their experience could still be put to use in public service and advisory roles.
Machoka was accompanied with several veteran broadcasters and his wife, Sophie.
Nyamira Senator Okong’o Mogeni described Machoka as an “iconic personality”, recalling the excitement that still follows him whenever he appears in public.
Mogeni said Senate staff members recently scrambled to take photographs with Machoka, particularly because of his association with the much-loved television character Inspector Mwala.
The character, he suggested, had become another layer of Machoka’s enduring appeal.
Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot also joined the tributes, revealing that he had already bought a ticket to the celebrations before joking with colleagues about the cost of attending.
Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana brought another personal connection into the discussion, paying tribute to Machoka’s wife, Sophie, whom he recalled as his teacher at Alliance.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna, meanwhile, offered one of the lighter moments, recalling visits to Machoka’s Fred’s Ranch for nyama choma.
Machoka will mark his 50 years in broadcasting on Saturday, October 10, at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, where friends, colleagues, artists and admirers are expected to celebrate a career that has stretched across generations.
The celebration at Ulinzi Sports Complex will also bring together some of the biggest names associated with African and rhumba music.
Congolese rhumba giants Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel, together with Cameroonian star Sam Fan Thomas, are among the artistes expected to perform, while legendary Kenyan-Tanzanian group Les Wanyika is also on the line-up.
The choice of performers mirrors Machoka’s long association with rhumba music, a genre he helped popularise among Kenyan audiences through his celebrated radio programmes.
Editor’s note: Machoka is a member of the Gusii Press Club where he also serves in the advisory board.
