It was pomp and jubilation as veteran Citizen TV’s presenter Fred Obachi marked his 70th birthday at his ranch in Isinya, Kajiado County on Saturday, September 9.
The presenter, who also hosts the Roga Roga show on Radio Citizen, welcomed colleagues, fans and friends to celebrate his special day.
Among those present at the party was long-time colleague Joyce Gituro, and presenters Jeridah Andayi and Ann Qutee.
Also present at the event were a host of Rhumba musicians and bands which assumed the role of entertaining guests including the legendary Mbilia Bel.
For Roga Roga fans, yesterday’s show was an extraordinary one as the presenter hosted it from his Isinya home alongside his birthday celebration.
Donned in a black suit, Machokaa wore a big smile for the better part of the day with photos showing him dancing and sharing light moments with his guests.
The attendees indulged in moments of smooth rhumba music with everyone keen to loosen their bodies and match the rhythm.
Tributes to Obachi
From colleagues to top management of the Royal Media Services, tributes came in to celebrate the veteran who has had a long-standing and remarkable career in the media.
Wachira Waruru, RMS Group’s Managing Director, lauded Machoka for his passion towards his job describing him as a committed presenter.
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“I don’t know anyone who enjoys his work like Machoka does,” the MD stated in his tribute.
“His passion and commitment are second to none. It is difficult to describe Fred with just one word because he encompasses so many descriptions and great things,” he added.
Similarly, Fred Afune, the Group’s Director of Radio and ICT also conveyed his tribute, recalling the journey Machoka has walked from his onset days at Citizen Radio.
Afune recalled the day Machokaa joined Citizen Radio- noting that he had initially declined to fill the position.
“We were starting to try and revive Citizen Radio you are a game changer. We were going against another legend.
And we said the only person who can help me do this is this guy (Machoka) then I went looking for him alafu anakataa kazi,” the director recalled.
Linus Kaikai, the Editorial Director at RMS said: “You are an icon, you continue to inspire may God bless you as you enter yet another decade.
I admire other than your personality, character, and everything else, your physical fitness- tell us how you do that.”
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Machoka’s Career
His career at the Dennis Pritt Road-based media group dates back to 2002 when the group’s management sought after him in a bid to revamp Citizen Radio’s ratings.
He went on to have an impeccable career that has seen him win awards and interact with the who is who of the Rhumba industry.
Known by his self-proclaimed nickname “the blackest man in black Africa”, Machoka has throughout his career made the role of rhumba entertainment his own and has hosted big names on his shows.
At 70, Machoka has shown that he still has the zeal to present Rhumba music to his fans both on radio and television as his colleagues and senior managers described in their tributes.
