Veteran broadcaster Fred Obachi Machoka’s golden celebration took an unexpected political turn after he ordered security to remove his niece, former nominated Senator Gloria Orwoba, from the stage over “Wantam” chants.
The dramatic moment unfolded during the Machoka @50 Grand Concert at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the veteran journalist marked five decades in broadcasting.
In footage circulating online, Machoka is heard confronting Orwoba and warning her against jeopardising his career during the milestone event.
“Please, security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You cannot screw up my job. Next time you are with your uncle, utajua hapa huna neno, utatii,” Machoka is heard saying.
The exchange drew reactions from the audience, with some concertgoers shouting that the incident was a family dispute.
The moment quickly shifted attention from the music and celebrations to the unexpected clash between the veteran broadcaster and his niece, turning a night dedicated to Machoka’s illustrious career into a talking point.
A Golden Milestone Overshadowed by Drama
The Machoka @50 Grand Concert brought together a star-studded lineup of Kenyan and international performers, including Congolese rhumba icons Koffi Olomide and Mbilia Bel, Cameroonian musician Sam Fan Thomas, Alicious Theluji, Les Wanyika and Kenyan group Them Mushrooms.
The event also attracted prominent figures from politics, labour and entertainment, including Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Central Organization of Trade Unions Secretary-General Francis Atwoli.
The celebration recognised Machoka’s five-decade contribution to broadcasting and his role in popularising rhumba music through the Roga Roga programme on Radio Citizen and Citizen TV.
How Are Fred Machoka and Gloria Orwoba Related?
Machoka and Orwoba are uncle and niece. Orwoba’s mother is Machoka’s sister, and the broadcaster has publicly acknowledged their family relationship.
Their relationship has previously featured in public conversations. In June 2024, Machoka spoke about receiving numerous unwanted phone calls following controversy involving Orwoba and blogger Edgar Wabwire.
In February 2026, Orwoba shared photographs from a visit to Machoka’s ranch in Isinya. She also revealed in a June 2026 interview that she had once approached him for assistance in pursuing a career in radio presenting.
Who Is Gloria Orwoba?
Gloria Orwoba is a Kenyan politician who previously served as a nominated senator representing the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Born on May 25, 1986, in Kisii County, she attended State House Primary School and St George’s Girls School in Nairobi before pursuing studies in architecture and social work at the University of Nairobi.
Orwoba lived in Sweden between 2015 and 2019 before returning to Kenya and entering politics. After losing the UDA primaries for the Bobasi parliamentary seat in 2022, she was nominated to the Senate.
In 2023, she attracted national and international attention after appearing in Parliament with a visible menstrual stain on her white trousers, sparking conversations about menstrual stigma and period poverty.
In August 2025, Parliament announced that Consolata Nabwire Wakwabubi had been sworn in as senator, taking over the seat previously held by Orwoba. Reports also indicated that UDA had expelled Orwoba amid allegations of disloyalty.
In April 2026, Citizen Digital reported that Orwoba had been arrested while attempting to enter the Senate chambers following a court ruling concerning her reinstatement as a UDA member.
As footage of the Machoka @50 confrontation circulates, the moment has added an unexpected chapter to a celebration intended to honor one of Kenya’s most recognizable broadcasting voices.
