A village on the outskirts of Kilifi town came to a standstill as NTV Swahili anchors Lofty Matambo and Fridah Mwaka chose to mark their birthdays by celebrating with widows who have long carried silent burdens.
The celebration, hosted in KwaMongo, Pingilikani, Chonyi, was no ordinary party.
As Matambo turned 40, he departed the usual pomp of city birthday parties and, instead, invited family, friends, and well-wishers to share the day with 100 widows he had supported through the Lofty Matambo Foundation for the past three years.
“This is the most fulfilling birthday I have ever celebrated—touching the hearts of widows. As I saw the smiles and laughter on the widows, my heart nearly jumped out because of the joy I felt,” Lofty said.
“This is my priceless gift as I turn 40.”
Lofty Matambo and Fridah Mwaka Celebrate Their Birthdays
Fridah Mwaka, who was also marking her birthday that week, said this celebration felt very different from past ones.
“We have been eating nyama choma with friends in Nairobi, buying each other gifts, cutting huge cakes… but this one has truly touched my heart,” Mwaka said.
The widows each received food hampers and bright kangas, gifts that turned the day into one of dignity, love, and hope.
The two anchors, popularly known as #TheDuo, were supported by the Nawiri Tena Initiative, which they co-run to bring back smiles to the less fortunate, and Ahadi Kenya Trust, which helped make the event a success.
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Among the special guests was Dr. Stanley Kamau, CEO of Ahadi Kenya Trust, who not only brought more gifts but also urged the government to protect widows from land grabbing and other injustices.
Also present were Timothy Nzomo, Assistant Director of IPOA Northeastern region; Steven Kiti of Nabati Rolling Mills; Dominic Tunje, a well-known lawyer; and Ednah Dhahabu, whose fashion house dressed the anchors in stunning African attire that impressed many.
At the end of the day, Matambo promised to repeat this kind of celebration in all 35 wards of Kilifi County through his foundation and the Nawiri Tena Initiative.
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About Lofty Matambo and Fridah Mwaka #TheDuo
Lofty Matambo and Fridah Mwaka, also known as “#TheDuo,” are award-winning Swahili journalists in Kenya, well-known for co-hosting news bulletins and social-interest segments.
The two have developed a popular brand built on their professional chemistry, which started at KTN and continued when they moved to NTV.
Their current programs at NTV include;
- NTV Jioni, where they anchor the station’s main Swahili news bulletins.
- Gumzo la Sato, where they also host a social-interest show focusing on family and social issues.
Their collaboration in news reporting stands out for several qualities that have made #TheDuo a household name. At the heart of their appeal is a natural chemistry that audiences instantly connect which can be described as an easy, authentic rapport that makes their delivery engaging and relatable.
They are also known for appearing in matching outfits, a deliberate choice that reflects their unity and shared purpose on screen.
Additionally, they have openly shared about their strong friendship off-screen.
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