Veteran radio presenter Fred Machoka interrupted his anniversary celebration to reprimand his niece, former nominated senator Gloria Orwoba, after she used the stage to deliver a political message.

Machoka hosted the high-profile gala, dubbed Machoka@50, at Ulinzi Sports Complex to mark 50 years in broadcasting. The 73-year-old celebrated with a lineup of regional musicians and a guest list that included prominent political figures.

During a segment introducing family members, Machoka handed the microphone to Orwoba, his sister’s daughter. Instead of offering a tribute, she chanted “WANTAM” and made the hand gesture associated with the opposition campaign urging President William Ruto to serve only one term.

Visibly annoyed, Machoka directed security to remove Orwoba from the stage.

“Please, Security, toa huyu msichana hapa. You can not screw up my job. Next time you are with your uncle, utajua hapa huna neno, utatii,” he said.

The gala drew some of Africa’s best-known musicians, including Congolese stars Koffi Olomide, Alicios Theluji, and Mbilia Bel, Cameroonian legend Sam Fan Thomas, Kenya’s Freshley Mwamburi, and the Them Mushrooms group. Key political figures attended as well, including Central Organisation of Trade Unions (COTU) Secretary General Francis Atwoli and Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna.

Unapologetic Reaction and Growing Backlash

The next morning, Orwoba showed no sign of regret over the interruption. She took to Facebook and playfully teased her uncle:

“Good morning! Lazima nikumbushe, Uncle mambo ni WANTAM!”

Since UDA expelled her in 2025 after she aligned herself with former Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i, Orwoba has become a vocal critic of the Kenya Kwanza government. Her decision to use her uncle’s career milestone to promote a political message split public opinion: critics called it disrespectful, while supporters saw it as in keeping with her outspoken political style.