Veteran Radio Citizen broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka has announced his retirement from broadcasting after five decades.
In a statement dated September 21, former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko said Machoka paid him a courtesy call at his office and invited him to the event, which will mark his 50-year broadcasting journey.
“My good friend of many years, legendary broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka, paid me a courtesy call at my office and personally invited me to his retirement celebration, which will be held on 10th October 2026 at Ulinzi Sports Complex. From the Voice of Kenya, now KBC, to Royal Media Services, Fred has spent five remarkable decades informing, entertaining and bringing joy to millions of Kenyans. Congratulations,” Mike Sonko noted.
Sonko also praised Machoka’s association with Rhumba music, saying audiences would miss his voice, humor and music programs after his retirement.
The October 10 celebration will feature performances by international Rhumba and African music artistes.
Sonko named Congolese musicians Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel, as well as Cameroonian musician Sam Fan Thomas, among those expected to perform.
Fred Obachi Machoka’s Broadcasting Career
Machoka began his broadcasting career in the 1970s at the national broadcaster, then known as the Voice of Kenya (VOK) and now the Kenya Broadcasting Corporation (KBC).
Before entering broadcasting, Machoka served as a General Service Unit officer. He transitioned to radio after a producer noticed his voice and encouraged him to pursue a career in broadcasting.
He joined the police service in 1972 and spent about four years in the force, including service in the Northern Frontier.
While serving as a police officer, Machoka was also an avid radio listener and regularly participated in radio competitions.
His breakthrough came through a SANYO radio competition known as “Sanyo Juu Sanyo Tops.” After winning, he traveled to Nairobi to collect his prize.
During the visit, a program producer noticed his voice and asked whether he would consider working in radio.
Machoka accepted the opportunity and began recording promotional material for Sanyo electronics, and his work was broadcast through VOK.
Also Read: Fred Obachi Machoka, Presenter Who Served as a GSU Officer Before His 50-Year Broadcasting Career
VOK Recognized Work
Early in his career at VOK, Machoka became associated with several radio programs, including Seng’enge ni Ng’ombe, Ugua Pole na Lucozade, Sportsman ni Sawa Hasa, and Mchanganyiko Maalum na Bitchman.
He also hosted television programs including Music Time and Talk of Time.
In 1988, he established FM 35, a broadcasting venture named after his initials and his age at the time.
Machoka later joined Royal Media Services’ Radio Citizen in 2002, where he became the host of Roga Roga.
The program became one of his best-known broadcasting platforms and centers on African music, including Rhumba from the 1980s and 1990s.
Also Read: Waweru wa Nyambura Exits Royal Media After 10 Years in Emotional Farewell
Recognition
Machoka’s five-decade career has received recognition from Kenya’s media industry and government.
In July, the Media Council of Kenya launched a framework to recognize veteran journalists and broadcasters, with Machoka’s 50th anniversary serving as one of the initiatives around which the program was launched.
Speaking during the launch of the recognition, MCK Chief Executive Officer David Omwoyo confirmed that the main celebration event would be held in September in Nairobi, commemorating Machoka and other media voices.
Machoka was also awarded the Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW) in December 2021 for his contribution to the country.
In 2023, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award during the Annual Journalism Excellence Awards.
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